NRM urges youth to avoid provoking law enforcers

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The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has defended the actions of security forces amid rising tensions with opposition supporters, urging young people to refrain from provocative behaviour that could endanger lives and property.

Rosemary Seninde, the party’s director for mobilisation, told journalists at the NRM secretariat in Nakasero, Kampala, on December 5, 2025, that while concerns had been raised about the alleged harassment of opposition supporters by security personnel, maintaining law and order remained essential.

She noted that security forces often act to protect citizens from theft and violence.

Seninde criticised incidents where young people have reportedly thrown stones at officers attempting to restore order, cautioning that such actions put both the public and security personnel at risk. She urged parents to counsel their children against provoking armed officers and reminded the public that personal freedoms must not interfere with the rights of others.

Seninde also called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to address cases where political actors violate campaign guidelines. She argued that some provocations appeared to be deliberate attempts to attract public sympathy yet ultimately undermined national stability. She said that no citizen’s business or livelihood should be disrupted because of political differences.

Referring to previous incidents of violence against security personnel, including the killing of a police officer in Kampala during the last elections, Seninde stressed that such cases could not be ignored and that police had a mandate to defend themselves while safeguarding the lives and property of Ugandans.

She added that peace remained one of the NRM’s major achievements and encouraged young people to be patriotic and protect the progress made.

Last week, Police Chief Abas Byakagaba condemned attacks on security personnel and urged political actors to respect the law as campaigns intensify ahead of the 2026 general election. He commended citizens, candidates, the EC and security agencies for maintaining relative order but warned that notable incidents of violence had occurred, many involving supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Police cited disputes arising from departing from designated campaign routes, rallies held in unauthorised areas such as trading centres and markets, and breaches of traffic regulations. Officers emphasised that political expression must be balanced with the rights of others to go about their daily activities.

Byakagaba reiterated that electoral campaigns do not override legal obligations and that offenders would be handled in accordance with the law.

Police highlighted several recent cases, including an October 28, 2025, incident in Lira district where supporters of the NUP presidential candidate reportedly attacked police officers, damaged vehicles and stole property. On the following day in Abim district, individuals believed to be linked to the same candidate assaulted Emmanuel Edibu, who required hospital treatment.

Police also referenced a November 24, 2025, procession in Kawempe North and South, where officers were pelted with stones and vehicles were damaged, prompting public order measures. In Kayunga, the NUP candidate reportedly arrived late for a rally and defied the 6 pm campaign curfew. In Iganga, one civilian died during crowd dispersal after stones were thrown at police following a campaign event.

Security agencies said they had been tolerant and continued to engage political actors, but some had chosen not to comply with the law. They warned that incitement, harmful propaganda, hate speech, unauthorised processions, destruction of property, assault on security personnel and misuse of artificial intelligence would not be tolerated.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting constitutional rights to campaign, vote and participate in the electoral process, while enforcing law and order before, during and after the elections.

They also urged citizens, candidates and parties not to form private security groups, emphasising that maintaining public order is the exclusive mandate of state security organs.