Gulu City, Uganda: The Uganda Police has issued a stern warning to political actors and supporters after multiple incidents of civilians attacking security personnel across the country, acts described as “deliberate provocation” that threaten the safety and order of ongoing 2026 campaign activities.
Speaking during the weekly press briefing at Naguru Police Headquarters, Police Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma said the Gulu caning incident involving UPDF personnel was not the only case under scrutiny. He revealed that several operations in other districts have been disrupted by mobs confronting officers, candidates flouting agreed campaign routes, and individuals attempting to harm police on duty.
Kituuma cited a case from 2nd December in Wakiso District where supporters of FDC presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi obstructed and assaulted three police officers who were directing the candidate’s convoy to avoid blocking traffic.
“These officers were performing their lawful duties, and the attack on them was unprovoked and unacceptable,” he said.
In Mbarara, Kituuma says police are investigating a viral video showing a motorcyclist deliberately ramming into an officer who was clearing traffic. The officer, who narrowly escaped serious injury, is attached to Mbarara CPS.
“This was a deliberate and dangerous attack on an officer carrying out traffic control. Such acts cannot be tolerated,” Kituuma warned.
The Police Spokesperson also highlighted escalating tensions in Nwoya and Amuru arising from alleged defiance by NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi. According to Kituuma, the Nwoya District Security Committee (DSC) met with Kyagulanyi’s team and jointly agreed that the rally would be held at Patra.
“However, the candidate [Bobi Wine] suddenly defied the agreement and opted for Anaka Trading Centre, without consultation,” he said.
A similar pattern, he added, was observed in Amuru, where Kyagulanyi rejected the agreed venue at Pentecostal Assembly of God playground and attempted to proceed to Elegu border. He was later blocked by security at Parabel Corner in Atiak Subcounty.
“These abrupt changes to agreed venues disrupt security planning and expose supporters and the general public to unnecessary risk,” Kituuma said. “We urge all candidates and their supporters to desist from acts of violence, provocation and violation of campaign guidelines.”
He emphasized that while police are investigating the Gulu incident involving UPDF personnel caning civilians, the public must also recognise that attacks against security personnel are escalating and must stop. “Such conduct endangers life, property, and public peace,” he added.
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