Published on 30/10/2025
The ongoing presidential campaigns have largely remained peaceful but police say a few individuals have increasingly resorted to aggression, provocation and acts of violence against law enforcement officers a trend authority now describe as intolerable.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, police noted that while most campaign participants have conducted themselves peacefully, some “conflict entrepreneurs” have made it a habit to confront officers, damage property and disrupt order.
We are not going to issue blanket condemnations because some campaign participants conduct themselves peacefully and respectfully. We shall go for conflict entrepreneurs who have chosen to confront police officers at leisure and turned aggression, belligerence and violence into a habit.
Attack On Police Escort In Lira District
Uganda Police cited a violent incident that occurred on October 28, 2025, around 1:00p.m, when officers trailing the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi, were attacked near Obot A Village, Obot Primary School on the route from Lira City to Alebtong District.
According to police, a group of NUP supporters stopped abruptly and attacked officers traveling in vehicle UBK 380Q, puncturing its tyres with sharp objects, seizing the car key sensor and stealing two 20-litre jerrycans of diesel, a laptop, and personal belongings of one officer.
The attackers reportedly claimed the police vehicle carried a signal jammer disrupting their online broadcasts — allegation police dismissed as false.
“Since campaigns began, the team has freely livestreamed and communicated online. This accusation was fabricated to justify their violent conduct,” police said.
A case of malicious damage and robbery has been registered, and ten suspects have been arrested. They include Ssembusi Precious Paul, Bukenya Ismail, Lokoro Liberty, Nakabuye Mastura, Waiswa Raston, Nasozi Hope, Saliman Kagwa, Kamulegeya Regan, Katamba Stephen and Lubega Alison.
All are currently detained at Lira City Central Police Station pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
A green Toyota Hiace (UA 933AU) was also impounded as part of ongoing investigations to recover stolen items and identify other accomplices.
Other Incidents of Violence
Police further reported similar attacks in Mayuge, Kyankwanzi, Kakumiro and Busia districts.
- On October 3, an officer on duty at a NUP rally in Mayuge was beaten by alleged campaign bouncers, sustaining serious injuries. His phone was stolen, and a case was recorded under Mayuge CRB 797/2025.
- On October 8, in Kyankwanzi District, a detective constable was assaulted by a group of supporters at Bikoma Primary School. The suspect, identified by face, fled the scene, and a case of assault was opened.
- On October 21, during a campaign stop in Kisiita Town Council, Mr. Kyagulanyi allegedly diverted from an agreed campaign route, resulting in damage to a police pickup (UP 7694) and an unruly confrontation with the crowd. Police said the situation was eventually contained peacefully.
- In Busia, another officer was assaulted, and the case was filed under CRB 1038/2025.
Police Reaffirm Commitment to Peaceful Campaigns
The police reiterated their commitment to providing security for all candidates but warned that criminal acts, disorder, and defiance of agreed campaign routes will not be tolerated.
“We urge all political actors to exercise civility, adhere to the law and maintain peace throughout the campaign period.
