Inspector General of Police Byakagaba Abas has reiterated that the Uganda Police Force will maintain a firm stance against electoral violence and lawlessness as the country enters the final month before the January 2026 general elections.
Speaking to journalists, the IGP said that the socio-economic transformation and the peace prevailing in Uganda must be preserved. He noted that security agencies have exercised significant tolerance and have continuously engaged political actors to ensure that campaign activities remain within the provisions of the law. Despite this, he said, some actors have deliberately refused to comply.
Byakagaba reaffirmed that security agencies are duty-bound to enforce laws and guidelines to maintain public order, which he described as an indispensable condition for peaceful elections. “We can never have elections where there is no peace,” he said
He further stressed that peace remains the foundation of any credible electoral process.
He listed various acts that will not be tolerated during the campaign season, including incitement, harmful propaganda, hate speech, defiance campaigns, unauthorized processions, destruction of property, defacement of posters, assault on security personnel, campaigns beyond the stipulated time, and criminality at campaign venues. He also warned against individuals attending rallies armed with stones and other dangerous weapons, as well as the emerging misuse of artificial intelligence for harmful political messaging.
The IGP urged all those involved to desist from such unlawful activities and reminded them that the laws of the country remain fully in force during the campaign period. He added that some individuals think campaigns offer an opportunity to challenge or overpower the police, but he encouraged the public to “disprove them” by upholding peace and lawful conduct.
Byakagaba assured citizens that the Uganda Police Force, working with sister security agencies, remains committed to protecting constitutional rights while firmly enforcing public order to ensure a safe and peaceful election period.
He insisted that while political expression and assembly are guaranteed, they must be balanced with the rights of other Ugandans going about their daily business. “It is our duty as the UPF to ensure that both sides enjoy their rights and freedoms,” he said
He further noted that breaches of the law will be handled appropriately.
Byakagaba highlighted several incidents that underscore police concerns:
October 28, 2025: Lira District: NUP supporters allegedly attacked police officers, punctured a patrol vehicle’s tyres, removed its key chip, and stole items.
October 29, 2025 : Abim District: Members believed to belong to the NUP candidate’s inner ring allegedly assaulted Edibu Emmanuel, who was later hospitalized.
November 24, 2025 : Kawempe: Security personnel were pelted with stones as the NUP candidate moved in a procession from party headquarters to campaign venues. Several officers were injured and vehicles damaged.
November 27, 2025: Kayunga District: The NUP candidate reportedly attempted to campaign past the 6 p.m. cutoff time, leading to police halting the rally and dispersing crowds.
November 28, 2025 : Iganga District: Stone throwing erupted after a rally, prompting police to disperse crowds. One civilian fatality was recorded.
Mbarara District: A planned operation on November 7, 2025 resulted in several arrests of suspects linked to criminal activities in various parts of the country.
Byakagaba reminded political parties not to form private security outfits, stressing that the protection of candidates is a duty of state security organs.
He assured the public that the Uganda Police Force, working with sister agencies, remains committed to safeguarding the constitutional rights to campaign and vote, but will enforce the law to maintain peace before, during, and after the elections.