Presidential candidate Muntu urges security agencies to 'restrain from electoral violence'

________________

The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential flag-bearer, Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu, has condemned security agencies for alleged electoral violence targeting Opposition candidates, echoing concerns raised by the Electoral Commission (EC) and human rights groups.

The EC has expressed alarm over recent clashes, including a November 28 incident where one person was killed in Iganga district and several injured during a National Unity Platform (NUP) rally addressed by Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.

Muntu, who was heading to West Nile region for campaigns on December 2, 2025, urged the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), the Uganda Police Force (UPF) and the intelligence services to stop acting partisan while allegedly supporting the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government instead of acting in support of the public as a way of portraying neutrality.

“As professional security agencies, you are supposed to work in the interest of Ugandans and work towards facilitating the peaceful change of government, considering Uganda’s past history of rampant military takeovers since 1962,” he said.

Addressing a press conference at ANT head offices, Bukoto Apartments in Kampala, Muntu, who demanded accountability from perpetrators, challenged law enforcement agencies to act professionally and proportionately, especially in containing supporters during campaign rallies.

“I call upon security agencies to restrain from electoral violence because they are expected to prevail over situations of anarchy, but not to suppress the will of the citizens as per the constitution, and that’s why those in senior command should exercise a high level of professionalism in conducting their work,” he insisted.  

The violence patterns of a similar nature have been reported in Mukono, Buikwe, Busoga, Bugisu, Lango, and Ankole, with opposition officials alleging increased confrontations with security forces, which he said is shrinking civic space.

“Such conducts portray fear in the regime, but it can also create an intimidating feeling to those who would want to use democratic means to cause regime change after 40 years of President Yoweri Museveni’s NRM in charge,” he said.

Recently, Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama condemned the violence, urging candidates to avoid divisive language and security agencies to uphold professionalism.

"Such incidents undermine democracy," he said, calling for investigations to establish root causes and ensure accountability.

We will enforce

However, the Police say they have been forced to move against presidential candidates they see flouting electoral and security guidelines.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba on Monday this week warned against escalating electoral violence, citing a series of confrontations involving National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters and security personnel in the districts of Kayunga, Lira, Iganga, Mbarara, Karamoja, Abim and Kampala city's Kawempe division, among others. 

He said the Uganda Police Force and sister security agencies will continue enforcing campaign guidelines firmly to preserve peace ahead of the 2026 general elections.