As the 2026 Uganda General Elections draw closer, tensions between the state and the opposition have reached a boiling point.
The National Unity Platform (NUP), led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), has faced significant security pushback during recent campaign trails, leading to clashes, arrests, and heavy military deployment in areas like Kawempe and Gulu.
Police Defend Their Constitutional Mandate
Speaking on the NBS Frontline program, the Director of the Chief Political Commissariat, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Ubaldo Bamunoba, addressed the growing criticism regarding police conduct.
Bamunoba insisted that the Uganda Police Force (UPF) is fully prepared to execute its constitutional mandate. He argued that security operations are not arbitrary but are guided by intelligence and past electoral experiences.
“Police is up to the task of executing our mandate. We have prepared ourselves at different angles, and since this won’t be the first election we are handling, we believe we are up to the task,” Bamunoba stated.
Key Issues: Approved Routes vs. “Indiscipline”
A major point of contention during the NUP rallies has been the restriction of campaign routes. Bamunoba explained that security agencies guide candidates on specific routing for two main reasons:
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Intelligence Reports: Mitigating potential security threats.
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Community Considerations: Ensuring minimal disruption to local businesses and traffic.
The AIGP questioned whether security should “look on” when candidates intentionally disregard these guidelines, suggesting that the enforcement of the law remains non-negotiable to maintain public order.
NUP Response: Calls for Equal Treatment
On the same platform, NUP Treasurer Benjamin Katana challenged the police’s narrative. Katana argued that the security outfits are creations of the Constitution and must treat all political actors equally.
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Selective Enforcement: Katana warned that NUP is being unfairly targeted compared to other political outfits.
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Democratic Integrity: He emphasized that the current “security crackdown” threatens the integrity of the 2026 electoral process.
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Legal Compliance: Katana maintained that NUP has not violated any electioneering laws, describing the heavy deployments as an intimidation tactic.
The Human Cost of Campaign Clashes
The debate follows a series of violent incidents during the NUP campaign trail. In Gulu, Bobi Wine blamed security forces for the death of a 16-year-old student during a confrontation, while in Kampala, tear gas and gunfire have become frequent fixtures of opposition rallies.
What’s Next for the 2026 Election Watch?
With the police vowing to remain “firm” and the opposition demanding “equal treatment,” the road to 2026 remains volatile. International observers and civil society organizations continue to monitor the situation, urging for a peaceful and inclusive electoral environment.
