By Peter Luzinda
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Byakagaba Abas has condemned all forms of electoral violence and lawlessness seen recently in the ongoing campaigns, mainly at the National Unity Platform (NUP) rallies vowing that the force is set to deal with the NUP supporters who initiate violence against the police.
Byakagaba noted that tension between the force and NUP is always a result of NUP disregarding the set guidelines on departures from designated venues, routes for rallies and traffic rules.
In a statement released on Monday, IGP Byakagaba listed a number of violent incidences between the Police and NUP supporters including theattack on police officers near Obot A village in Lira District on October 28, 2025 where supporters allegedly punctured the tires of a police vehicle, removed the key chip sensor, and stole various items.
The alleged attack on Edibu Emmanuel in Abim District by NUP supporters, alleged pelting of stones at police officer during Bobi Wines Kawempe North and Kawempe South rallies, Bobi Wine’s refusal not to campaign in Baale, Kayunga district after he arrived late at the venue and the recent fatal shooting of Meshach Okello in Iganga district as being initiated by the NUP supporters and police only responded to the acts by deploying public order tactics to control the crowds.
“We strongly condemn all forms of electoral violence and lawlessness. I assure you that this will not be tolerated and shall be dealt with very decisively. Socio-economic transformation and peace prevailing in the country must be maintained” he said.
Byakagaba further noted that the police and sister security agencies, have been very tolerant and have continuously engaged political actors to conduct their political activities in accordance with the relevant laws and guidelines, however some political actors have deliberately refused to comply with the set guidelines.
“I reiterate that we are duty bound to enforce the relevant laws and guidelines to maintain public order, a requisite for peaceful elections. There can never be elections where there is no peace” he said.
Byakagaba noted that acts of incitement, harmful propaganda, hate speech, declaring defiance, unauthorized campaign processions, destruction of property, defacement of posters, assault on security personnel, campaigns beyond stipulated time, criminality at various campaign venues, going armed with stones and other dangerous weapons to rallies and misuse of AI (Artificial Intelligence) by some actors will not be tolerated