Police warns Kyagulanyi camp, other candidates ahead of Parliamentary Nominations

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The Uganda Police Force has today issued a stern warning to presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi and his supporters following a standoff during his campaign in Kakumiro District on Tuesday. 

According to Police, Kyagulanyi deviated from the agreed security and campaign route, putting officers in a challenging situation that could have led to public disorder.

According to a statement issued by the police, Kyagulanyi arrived at Nalweyo Town Council at around 11:00am, where he was guided by traffic police in line with the agreed campaign and security plan. He was scheduled to hold his first rally at a playground in Kisiita Town Council, but reportedly insisted on diverting through Kakumiro Town Council, disobeying repeated instructions from officers to follow the planned route.

“Despite repeated guidance by officers to adhere to the planned route, he and his driver disobeyed police directions and drove on the pavement. The officers exercised restraint and let his convoy move on,” the statement read.

The deviation resulted in a stand-off when Kyagulanyi went to Kakeeka Playground in Kakumiro Town Council instead of the agreed venue at Kisiita. Police directed the candidate and the crowd to the agreed venue, but the crowd reportedly became unruly, forcing officers to block their advance using a police vehicle. Some individuals reportedly confronted the vehicle’s driver, causing damage to the front windscreen of police vehicle registration number UP 7694.

In an effort to de-escalate tensions, the police allowed the crowd access to Kakeeka Playground. Officers managed to contain the gathering without further incident and secured the police helicopter stationed at the venue. After campaigning at Kakeeka, Kyagulanyi proceeded to the originally scheduled venue in Kisiita, concluding his activities around 5:42 pm before heading to Kikuube District.

Police emphasised that while their officers remain committed to professionalism, they face increasing confrontation and provocation, which will not be tolerated. The statement called on Kyagulanyi and his supporters to adhere strictly to the campaign routes and positions agreed upon with their organising teams.

The incident comes ahead of the two-day parliamentary candidate nominations on 22 and 23 October 2025 by the Uganda Electoral Commission (EC). In a separate press release, the police Directorate of Traffic and Safety outlined detailed security guidelines for the nomination process, warning political actors and the public to strictly comply with regulations designed to ensure order and safety.

Police emphasised that access to nomination centres will be restricted to candidates and invited persons only, to manage crowds and prevent congestion. Traffic routes to and from the venues will be regulated, and convoys are limited to two vehicles per candidate, with no more than ten occupants per vehicle. Processions are explicitly prohibited.

“Laws governing elections, public order, and traffic remain fully enforced during this period,” the release stated. Citizens’ rights and peace must not be disrupted by nomination activities, and post-nomination rallies should be coordinated in advance with area police commanders (DPCs and RPCs) to agree on suitable venues. Candidates are advised not to hold rallies near markets, schools, or hospitals to prevent disruption of business and traffic.

The police also urged all Ugandans to promote peace and harmony throughout the nomination period, stressing that maintaining law and order is a collective responsibility. The guidelines aim to prevent any repeat of incidents like the one witnessed in Kakumiro yesterday, where a candidate’s deviation from agreed-upon routes and instructions led to public unrest.

As parliamentary nominations begin, police are keen to enforce strict compliance with rules to ensure the process is peaceful, orderly, and free of unnecessary disruptions. With candidates from multiple parties and independent aspirants expected to attend, authorities anticipate high traffic and large crowds at designated nomination centres.

“Candidates and political actors must understand that while the police facilitate the democratic process, public safety and order are non-negotiable,” said the statement.

Police warned that any acts of disobedience, public provocation, or disregard for agreed plans will not be tolerated, and offenders may face legal consequences. With the parliamentary nominations now underway, authorities are urging all candidates to prioritise peace, order, and the safety of citizens while engaging in the electoral process.