The campaign trail for presidential candidates has generally been peaceful, but certain individuals have developed a troubling habit of provoking the police with increasing levels of aggression that have now become intolerable. These negative elements have escalated their actions to damaging vehicles, assaulting officers, and causing chaotic scenes.
We have observed numerous instances of such unacceptable behaviour and last evening, we begun holding specific individuals accountable.
We are not going to issue blanket condemnations because some campaign participants conduct themselves peacefully and respectfully. We shall go for conflict entrepreneurs who have chosen to confront police officers at leisure and turned aggression, belligerence and violence into a habit.
Yesterday on October 28, 2025, at around 1300 hours, we registered an incident of an attack on police officers who were in a trail behind the NUP presidential candidate, Mr. Kyagulanyi Robert, from Lira City to Alebtong District. While passing through Obot A village near Obot Primary School, a group of supporters of NUP abruptly stopped and attacked police officers in vehicle UBK 380Q. They punctured the vehicle’s tyres with sharp metal objects, confiscated the car key chip sensor, and stole two 20-liter jerricans of diesel, a bag of clothes belonging to one of the officers and also stole laptop.
They alleged that the vandalized vehicle contained a jammer disrupting their online network. However, since the campaigns began, they have been livestreaming their movements and communicating freely at times, even with police. They fabricated an accusation to create chaos now a case of malicious damage and robbery has been registered against the perpetrators.
Ten individuals have been arrested: Ssembusi Precious Paul, Bukenya Ismail, Lokoro Liberty, Nakabuye Mastura, Waiswa Raston, Nasozi Hope, Saliman Kagwa, Kamulegeya Regan, Katamba Stephen, and Lubega Alison.
They are currently detained at Lira City Central Police Station, as we awaiting further guidance from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Additionally, police impounded a green Toyota Hiace drone, registration UA 933AU, and are working to recover the stolen items and identify any other accomplices involved in the attack.
There have been other incidents of assault against police officers: On October 3, 2025 in Mayuge district, an officer was performing his duties covering NUP campaign events during a rally when he was attacked by Kanyamas of the NUP presidential candidate. He was assaulted, he sustained serious injuries and his phone was stolen. A case of assault has been registered under Mayuge CRB 797/2025.
On October 8 in Kyankwanzi. During a Campaign Rally in Kyankwanzi District at Bikoma Primary School, a group of NUP supporters attacked a detective constable. A team of police officers responded to rescue him, and during the intervention, one of the “foot soldiers” who was identified by face among a large crowd punched one of our NCOs and fell to the ground. The DPC arrived quickly to de-escalate the situation, but the suspect had already disappeared into the crowd. A case of assault was subsequently opened.
On October 21 when Mr. Kyagulanyi deviated from a pre-agreed campaign route in Kisiita Town Council. Despite police instructions to follow the agreed route through Kakumiro Town Council, the candidate and his driver disobeyed and drove on the pavement, leading to damage of police pickup UP 7694. The crowd at the site became unruly, forcing police to block their advance and manage a standoff, during which the front windscreen of a police vehicle was damaged. Police eventually contained the crowd peacefully and secured a police helicopter at the venue.
In Busia, an officer was assaulted, and a case was filed at Busia CPS under CRB 1038/2025.
The police remain committed to providing security to candidates but will not tolerate criminality and hooliganism. Candidates are warned against deviating from agreed campaign venues and taking rallies to roadsides or trading centres. This is also be unacceptable.
We urge all political actors to conduct themselves with civility, adhere to the law, and maintain peace throughout the campaign period.
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