By Spy Uganda
Members of Parliament have raised the alarm over what they describe as a dangerous escalation of police violence against opposition candidates and their supporters, warning that the conduct of security agencies is eroding public confidence in the credibility of the 2026 elections.
During a heated plenary session on 2 December 2025, Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi accused the Uganda Police Force and other security organs of transforming campaign trails into “battlefields”, citing the widespread use of live bullets, tear gas, police dogs and armoured carriers at opposition events.
“Campaigns began on a positive note, especially the presidential campaigns,” Ssenyonyi said. “But unfortunately, they have now become brutally violent. People are being killed, injured or jailed. Tear gas has become a daily experience.”
Ssenyonyi questioned the impartiality of police leadership, accusing Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba of applying the law selectively, permitting ruling National Resistance Movement processions while cracking down on those organised by the National Unity Platform.
“It is hypocritical for the IGP to blame NUP for holding processions while the NRM conducts similar activities without interference,” he said. “Why the double standards?”
He further claimed that police have offered logistical support to ruling party candidates, pointing to reports that a police truck was seen transporting NRM supporters to a rally at Boma Grounds in Mbarara on 1 December.
“One hand you use to beat our supporters, the other you use to ferry supporters of another candidate,” Ssenyonyi said. “How do you expect Ugandans to trust that the same police will fairly protect their votes?”
Opposition MPs said that even when they follow Electoral Commission guidelines, police create deliberate disruptions, such as blocking approved routes to campaign venues and forcing candidates to arrive late and lose valuable campaign time.
Wakiso Woman MP Betty Ethel Naluyima accused security personnel, sometimes travelling in unmarked trucks, of violently dispersing opposition gatherings and damaging campaign equipment. She said her own vehicle had recently been hit by police.
But some NRM MPs defended the security agencies. Kazo County MP Dan Atwijukire said the police were enforcing guidelines that apply to all candidates, noting that he too had been blocked while organising a procession for President Museveni. He nonetheless expressed sympathy to those hurt during the clashes.
Other ruling party legislators accused opposition leaders of provoking confrontations. Kasambya County MP David Kabanda alleged that NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi had encouraged supporters to overwhelm security forces, comparing the rhetoric to uprisings abroad.
His claims sparked immediate objections from Ssenyonyi, prompting Speaker Anita Among to intervene. She demanded evidence and described the allegations as extremely serious and capable of destabilising the country.
“Those statements can bring this country to its knees,” Among warned. She also criticised police for excessive force, arguing that brutality risks unintentionally boosting support for candidates with weaker political bases.
Responding for the government, Minister of State for General Duties Justine Kasule Lumumba urged caution over viral videos and photos circulating online, suggesting that some could be AI generated. She encouraged Ssenyonyi to formally lodge complaints with the Electoral Commission and urged all political actors to adhere to agreed campaign guidelines.
“If the evidence is visual, let it be presented so a proper discussion can be held,” Lumumba said. “But leaders should not mobilise citizens to take the law into their own hands because the innocent will be the first victims.”
As the campaign season intensifies, the clash between the opposition, the ruling party and security forces has deepened concerns about fairness, safety and the integrity of the 2026 electoral process. MPs warn that these issues must be urgently addressed to prevent the country from sliding into a broader crisis.
