Are Ugandan police unfairly targeting opposition rallies, or are they simply maintaining order? The answer, according to authorities, is clear: they're just doing their job. But the escalating tensions and accusations of brutality paint a far more complex picture.
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Ubaldo Bamunoba, the Director of the Chief Political Commissariat, staunchly defended police conduct during the ongoing political campaigns. Speaking on NBS Frontline, he insisted the police force is fully prepared to execute its constitutional mandate, despite growing criticism from opposition leaders and civil society organizations. He argues that their actions are guided by intelligence assessments and lessons learned from past elections. "Police is up to the task of executing our mandate," he stated. "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 elaborated on the process of guiding candidates on approved campaign routes. He emphasized that these routes are determined based on intelligence gathering and community-related considerations. But here's where it gets controversial... Bamunoba directly questioned whether the police should simply "look on" when candidates choose to disregard this guidance and deviate from the designated paths. Put another way, he asks: "A candidate is guided on the routing by security for intelligence and community-driven reasons. Should security look on if the candidate chooses to use their own routes?"
He further emphasized that while the police aim to avoid excessive force, enforcing the law remains a top priority, a non-negotiable aspect of their duty. "We won't be ruthless," he said, "but when the law is broken, we must swing in to restore order." He also reiterated that police operations are primarily intelligence-led. As an example, he posed a hypothetical: "If intelligence says we shall have violence at a police station, should we leave this to the constables?"
Bamunoba's defense comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions at National Unity Platform (NUP) campaign rallies across the country. Hundreds of supporters have reportedly been arrested during events addressed by NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine.
In Kawempe, eyewitness accounts describe a heavy presence of police and military personnel, both in uniform and in plain clothes. Shockingly, security operatives were allegedly accompanied by sniffer dogs, with some reports suggesting that handlers deliberately set the dogs on opposition supporters.
Bobi Wine himself has been vocal in his accusations, alleging that security forces have violently assaulted his supporters and deliberately disrupted his campaign convoy. He cited a specific incident from November along the Mbarara-Ibanda Road, where his supporters were arrested while he was en route to his second campaign rally in the Ankole sub-region, scheduled for Bwizibwera in Mbarara District.
And this is the part most people miss... Bobi Wine claims that individuals "wearing NRM T-shirts and carrying Museveni posters" (NRM being the ruling party) were actively involved in what he characterizes as coordinated attacks against NUP supporters during this incident. This raises serious questions about impartiality.
Following the arrests, numerous detainees were brought before various courts across the country, facing a range of charges. These included obstruction of police officers, robbery, malicious damage to property, and several traffic-related offences, such as driving without licenses, riding without helmets, and operating uninsured vehicles. Some critics argue that these charges are politically motivated and designed to harass and intimidate NUP supporters.
Adding another layer to the complexity, other individuals were charged with participating in unauthorised military-style drills, linked to a February 12, 2025 parade held at NUP's Makerere-Kavule headquarters to commemorate Bobi Wine's 43rd birthday.
Among those facing charges are prominent NUP figures, including Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the NUP Deputy Spokesperson and Nakawa East MP aspirant; Saudah Madaada, Kampala Central Woman Lord Councillor aspirant; Dorren Kaija, NUP School Coordinator; and six of Bobi Wine's close aides, including Edward Ssebufu (Eddie Mutwe) and Achileo Kivumbi. It's crucial to note that all the accused have pleaded not guilty.
The NUP leadership has consistently called on security agencies to uphold the law, protect all Ugandans equally, and allow political actors to campaign freely without facing intimidation. They argue that continued diversion of campaign routes, mass arrests of supporters, and the alleged use of excessive force pose a significant threat to democratic principles and erode public confidence in the integrity of the ongoing electoral process.
So, is the Ugandan police force acting within its legal bounds to maintain order, or is it actively suppressing the opposition? The evidence seems to suggest both sides have legitimate concerns. How do you interpret the situation and what do you think the long term consequences of these actions will be? Do you believe the police are genuinely upholding the law, or are they being used as a political tool? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
