The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomansi, has defended the conduct of security agencies during and after Uganda’s just-concluded general elections, accusing some political actors of deliberate indiscipline, criminal mobilisation and attempts to incite nationwide unrest under the guise of political activism.
Addressing members of the Fourth Estate at a media briefing, Dr Baryomansi opened by thanking journalists for what he described as largely professional coverage of the elections, noting that despite isolated cases of unprofessional conduct, the media had played a critical role throughout the prolonged electoral period.
Uganda, he said, is now at the tail end of an election cycle that involved the presidential, parliamentary, mayoral and Local Council Five chairperson elections, with the country largely maintaining peace and stability.
He commended the general public for exercising restraint and maintaining calm, stressing that although a few isolated incidents occurred, they did not undermine the overall peaceful nature of the elections.
Dr Baryomansi congratulated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on his re-election as President of Uganda, hailed the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for what he termed a resounding electoral victory, and extended congratulations to all leaders who were successfully elected.
He also praised the Independent Electoral Commission, saying it had successfully conducted the elections under difficult circumstances.
However, the minister raised concern over what he described as growing indiscipline among some political actors as the country approached polling dates for the presidential and parliamentary elections.
According to Dr Baryomansi, certain leaders particularly from the National Unity Platform (NUP) deliberately refused to follow guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission, resulting in repeated confrontations with police and other security agencies.
He said this pattern of defiance frequently led to altercations whenever security agencies attempted to enforce the law, but despite these challenges, the elections proceeded smoothly and according to schedule.
Turning to recent arrests made across the country, the minister explained that security agencies were dealing with two distinct categories of suspects.
The first category, he said, consisted of individuals who reacted violently out of shock and frustration after the candidates they supported lost the elections. These actions, he explained, were largely spontaneous.
The second category, which he described as far more dangerous, involved organised criminal gangs allegedly mobilised by political leaders to exploit the election period as a launchpad for civil unrest.
Dr Baryomansi cited inflammatory statements such as “mubayisemu egaali”, which he said amounted to a call to attack or destroy people who did not subscribe to the ideology of the National Unity Platform.
He told journalists that security agencies possess video evidence of political leaders in Mukono Municipality openly rallying supporters and instructing them on how to overwhelm security forces in the event that election results did not favour them.
According to the minister, individuals involved in plotting such violence have already been arrested, while others who are still on the run will be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He said this kind of criminal plotting was not new to Uganda, recalling the 2021 general elections, during which panga-wielding criminal gangs terrorised parts of the Greater Masaka region, killing and maiming civilians before security forces intervened.
It was against this background, Dr Baryomansi explained, that government took the decision to deploy security personnel across the country during and after the elections, and to temporarily switch off the internet.
He said intelligence and security agencies had uncovered detailed plans to use social media platforms to spread misinformation, disinformation and incitement, aimed at creating fear, panic and anarchy nationwide.
The minister warned that many developing countries had collapsed after criminal gangs disguised themselves as political activists and overwhelmed state security, citing Sudan, Jamaica and Madagascar as examples.
He stressed that Uganda would not allow such a scenario to unfold.
“This will not happen here in Uganda,” Dr Baryomansi said, adding that government remained firm and resolute in protecting Ugandans and their property.
He stated that the role of the Uganda Police Force and sister security agencies is to ensure that both political actors and ordinary citizens enjoy their rights and freedoms, while at the same time enforcing the law against anyone who breaches it.
The minister described this balance as delicate but essential, particularly during and after elections.
Addressing the deaths reported in Butambala on January 15, 2026, Dr Baryomansi said it was unfortunate that some political actors had misled supporters into engaging in violent and ultimately fatal criminal actions.
He expressed hope that justice would prevail through the ongoing court process.
The minister said government strongly condemns all forms of electoral violence and lawlessness, reiterating that no internal or external group would be allowed to derail Uganda’s peace and security.
He noted that the business community, investors and the general public require a stable and peaceful environment to thrive, but accused some organised groups, working with certain political actors, of misinterpreting police restraint as weakness and engaging in provocative conduct.
According to Dr Baryomansi, security agencies responded firmly but within the law, adding that political competition does not grant licence for hooliganism or disorder.
He further alleged that some political actors deliberately provoke police in order to generate negative media publicity and create a basis for defiance after losing elections, pointing to earlier calls for a so-called “protest vote” as evidence of premeditated intentions.
Dr Baryomansi also warned that government was aware of attempts by some political actors to collaborate with foreign agents in efforts to destabilise the country.
“No one will destabilise sovereign Uganda,” he said, stressing that the country’s future, direction and destiny will continue to be determined by Ugandans themselves through constitutional and democratic processes.
The minister called upon Ugandans to resume their work and normal lives, noting that elections were largely concluded except for a few lower local government positions.
He urged those dissatisfied with the outcomes to seek redress through courts of law, saying judicial mechanisms were available to fairly handle grievances.
“Ugandans do not need violence and riots,” Dr Baryomansi said. “They desire to work, survive and make progress.”