Namutumba, Uganda: As Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections, security agencies have been warned against perpetuating electoral violence and human rights violations that could undermine the credibility of the upcoming polls.
Addressing a news conference at Nakawunzo in Nawaikona Sub-county, Namutumba District, Mr Tenywa Alexander, the Uganda People’s Movement (UPM) flagbearer for the Namutumba District Chairperson seat, said the widespread abuse of power by security forces during past elections had eroded public confidence in the electoral process.
“The Ugandan authorities should immediately end all forms of harassment and intimidation of journalists, opposition candidates and supporters. Instead, they should protect human rights and respect the rule of law as stipulated under Articles 211 and 212 of the 1995 Constitution,” Tenywa said.
Tenywa cited the 2021 general elections, which he said were marred by killings, arbitrary arrests, beatings of journalists and opposition supporters, disruption of opposition rallies, and an internet and social media shutdown, including Facebook, which remains restricted.
He criticized statements made by former Inspector General of Police, Gen. Martin Okoth Ochola, who in January 2021 told journalists that police would “beat them for their own sake,” remarks that triggered widespread condemnation from rights activists and media associations.
“Such reckless statements and actions by senior officials show disregard for media freedom and undermine democracy,” Tenywa remarked.
The UPM candidate appealed to security operatives in Namutumba to uphold professionalism and ensure a peaceful electoral process free from intimidation or violence.
“Security agencies must serve all Ugandans equally and avoid being used as instruments of political repression,” he said, urging a fair campaign environment for all candidates regardless of party affiliation.
A History of Electoral Violence
Uganda has witnessed recurring election-related violence since the 2006 general elections, during which opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye was arrested under politically motivated charges.
More recently, by-elections such as Kawempe North have reflected a troubling pattern of heavy-handed crackdowns by the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) and other security units against opposition supporters, journalists, and observers.
Similar incidents have been reported in Arua Municipality, Kayunga, and Mbarara, where security operations have targeted National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters, raising fresh concerns about state-sponsored violence ahead of 2026.
Tenywa urged the government to take proactive steps to prevent such abuses, warning that “tension is already rising” due to recent arrests and threats against opposition voices. “We must choose peace over bloodshed. Elections should be about ideas, not intimidation,” he concluded.
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