Fellow Ugandans and members of the media;
We are just a month and few days away to the general elections January 2026.
I want to commend Ugandans, the electoral commission, the security agencies and the candidates for ensuring to a reasonable extent compliance with the law, save for some notable incidents involving some of the actors.
In our experience this far, the tension points between the security forces and unfortunately almost always one of the political parties, specifically the NUP, is always about infringement of guidelines set regarding departures from designated venues and routes for rallies (rallies in unagreed places-trading centres, markets and along the roads) and traffic rules (driving/riding recklessly, being carried in dangerous manner in motor vehicles & motor cycles).
Within the same context, I want to say that there is need to collocate the right to political expression and attendant freedoms of assembly and expression, with rights of other members within the same ecosystem, to go about their normal businesses.
It is our duty as UPF to ensure that both sides enjoy their rights and freedoms and whoever breaches the law is handled appropriately.
It is a delicate balance but it is indispensable and one that we are all enjoined to ensure. None can be dispensed at the expense of the other. We don’t suspend everything else because we are conducting campaigns. In these electoral activities, each of us therefore has both rights and obligations.
I wish to highlight some of the incidents that have happened to emphasize our areas of concern;
On October 28, 2025, at around 1300 hours near Obot A village in Lira District, supporters of the NUP presidential candidate attacked police officers. They punctured the tires of a police vehicle, removed the key chip sensor, and stole various items.
On October 29, 2025 in Abim District, people purported to be members of the inner ring of NUP candidate assaulted Edibu Emmanuel, who was subsequently hospitalized.
On November 24, 2025, the NUP presidential candidate led a procession from the party headquarters to the campaign grounds in Kawempe North and Kawempe South.
The security personnel were pelted with stones at both the party headquarters at Kavule and along the routes. Several officers were injured and some vehicles damaged. Security forces responded by deploying public order tactics to control the crowds. Multiple arrests were made, and suspects have since been charged to court.
On November 27, 2025, the NUP presidential candidate held his campaign rallies in Kayunga District. His final campaign event was to be held at Lugasa parish, Kayonza Subcounty-Bbaale constituency, he arrived late and attempted to campaign after the 6 pm stipulated time. Police officers tried to stop him, but he refused to comply, leading to the campaign being halted and the crowds dispersed.
On November 28, 2025, in Iganga District, stones were thrown at officers immediately after the candidate concluded his campaign, officers responded to the violence by dispersing the rowdy crowds, during which unfortunately one civilian fatality occurred.
Mbarara District-Following investigations, a planned operation was conducted on 7th November 2025, several suspects were arrested and charged to court. The suspects were involved in various criminal acts in different parts of the country.
We strongly condemn all forms of electoral violence and lawlessness. I assure you that this will not be tolerated and shall be dealt with very decisively. Socio-economic transformation and peace prevailing in the country must be maintained.
The UPF and sister security agencies have been very tolerant and continuously engaged political actors to conduct their political activities in accordance with the relevant laws and guidelines. Some actors have deliberately refused to comply.
I reiterate that we are duty bound to enforce the relevant laws and guidelines to maintain public order, a requisite for peaceful elections. There can never be elections where there is no peace
Acts of incitement, harmful propaganda, hate speech, declaring defiance, unauthorized campaign processions, destruction of property, defacement of posters, assault on security personnel, campaigns beyond stipulated time, criminality at various campaign venues, going armed with stones and other dangerous weapons to rallies and misuse of AI (Artificial Intelligence) by some actors will not be tolerated.
I must state that the laws of the country are not in abeyance and must be adhered to as we carry out political activities. We urge all stakeholders to continue exercising their rights responsibly and respect the rights of others.
I call on citizens, political parties, candidates, supporters, civil society and media to exercise rights peacefully and responsibly. Political parties are reminded to desist from forming security outfits to protect candidates. This is the duty of state security organs.
I wish to reaffirm that Uganda Police Force working together with sister security agencies remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights to campaign, vote and participate but will enforce law and order firmly to maintain peace before, during and after the elections.
For God and My Country.
Byakagaba Abas
INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
