By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Electoral Commission warned police and the military to refrain from violence targeting opposition candidates in the ongoing campaigns.
“The Commission further calls on law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and use proportionate, lawful and humane means while enforcing compliance with electoral laws and guidelines,” EC cautioned.
The warning follows violent confrontations that erupted during presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s campaign rally in Gulu on Saturday, in which Kyagulanyi’s side Producer Sir Dan Magic and several NUP supporters were brutally injured by allegedly hired goons armed with sticks, and glass bottles and uniformed security personnel.
EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama says the clashes were “unfortunate and uncalled for”, calling for calmness and dialogue as opposed to using excessive force.
“The Commission condemns the violent scenes surrounding candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s campaign rally while in Gulu on 6th December 2025,” Justice Byabakama said.
The Gulu melee occurred barely days after a joint meeting between agents of all presidential candidates and the Uganda Police Force, during which stakeholders committed to peaceful campaigns in line with the law.
Byabakama says a presidential candidate is by law allowed to traverse all parts of the country to canvas support, and warned police against blocking candidates from accessing campaign venues. According to him, violence contradicts the Commission’s repeated calls for calm, respect for the law and a peaceful environment for Ugandans to participate in free, fair and credible elections.
“A duly nominated presidential candidate is free to traverse any part of Uganda to campaign, provided he or she is acting within the law and the guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission,” he added.
He urged all actors on the campaign trail to prioritise dialogue in the event of disagreements, instead of resorting to confrontation.
The Commission also called on the Uganda Police Force to conduct thorough investigations into the circumstances leading to the clashes and bring those responsible to book. Meanwhile, investigations into the incident are ongoing.
