By Spy Uganda
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has urged Ugandans to remain calm, law-abiding, and focused on national development as the country moves toward the final stage of the 2026 general elections.
Addressing a media briefing following the conclusion of the presidential, parliamentary, and district chairperson (LC5) elections, Dr. Baryomunsi said Uganda is at the tail end of the electoral cycle, with only lower local government elections still ongoing.
Despite speaking with a hoarse voice after intensive campaign engagements in the Kigezi region, the Minister delivered a detailed assessment of the post-election environment, addressing security, media responsibility, and political accountability.
Dr. Baryomunsi commended Ugandans for maintaining relative peace throughout the electoral process, noting that the country had largely avoided widespread unrest. He also praised the media for its professional coverage of the elections, acknowledging that while there were isolated incidents of misconduct, the press played an important role in informing the public and supporting democratic participation.
He congratulated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) on what he described as a sounding victory, saying the outcome reflected the will of the majority of voters.
Turning to recent incidents of unrest, the Minister explained that individuals arrested by security agencies fall into two broad categories. The first consists of people who reacted emotionally to electoral defeat and engaged in spontaneous acts of violence. The second involves organised criminal elements allegedly mobilised to cause disorder under the guise of political activism.
He stressed that government agencies remain committed to protecting lives, property, and constitutional order, adding that violence would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Dr. Baryomunsi raised concern over what he described as deliberate incitement and misinformation, including the use of inflammatory language and coordinated efforts to overwhelm security forces. He cautioned the public against sharing unverified content on social media, warning that some videos circulating online had been manipulated or generated using artificial intelligence to portray Uganda negatively.
The Minister said measures such as increased security deployment and temporary restrictions on certain digital platforms were taken in response to credible threats of criminal incitement and planned disorder, and not to suppress legitimate expression.
Emphasising respect for the rule of law, Dr. Baryomunsi urged candidates and supporters dissatisfied with election outcomes to seek redress through the courts rather than resorting to street protests or violence.
As Uganda completes the remaining local government elections, he called on citizens to return to their daily work, maintain peace, and support an environment conducive to investment and economic growth.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to stability, accountability, and national unity, noting that peace remains the strongest guarantee for Uganda’s continued progress.
