Police condemn attacks on security during Kyagulanyi’s Kawempe campaign

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The Uganda Police Force has condemned what it described as acts of hooliganism by supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi as he launched his campaign on Monday (November 24).

During his campaign activities in Kawempe, seven security personnel were seriously injured in the clashes, police said in a statement.

It was not immediately clear how many civilians were injured.

In the statement issued on Monday, police said Kyagulanyi’s campaign had been preceded by a coordination meeting between police, the Electoral Commission, and the candidate’s organising team to agree on venues and routes.

“While at the NUP headquarters, security officers were attacked with stones, an act of violence that was repeated at Bwaise Roundabout and at the campaign venue,” the statement said.

Police also sustained damage to their vehicles, including an ambulance that was vandalised, according to the statement.

Police said the force “strongly condemns the hooliganism displayed today” and warned that similar behaviour would be met with firm action to ensure campaigns remain peaceful.

Boda boda men carrying an injured person during Kyagulanyi's campaign rally. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

(Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

However, these accounts were contested by the NUP, which said its supporters were violently attacked.

Kyagulanyi, who accused the police of what he termed provocations, said their experience shows that such actions sometimes provoke his supporters to react angrily.

"You have seen that in previous campaigns if the police don't get involved our campaigns have always been peaceful," he told his supporters while campaigning at his second rally at Kayanya grounds, adding there was "no law we broke."

Earlier, the NUP leader had urged his supporters to remain calm and disciplined.

(Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

NUP supporters cheering Kyagulanyi. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

Kyagulanyi waving to supporters during his campaign trail in Kawempe (Nov. 24). (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

Kyagulanyi held one rally at Bwaise II Parish Growers Ground and another later at Kayanya Express Grounds in Kawempe, after setting off from the NUP headquarters in Makerere Kavule shortly after midday.

NUP supporters cheering during Kyagulanyi's campaign trail. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

Condemned

During his rally at Kawempe, Kyagulanyi reiterated the importance of voting, saying it can help usher in change. He noted that some people avoid voting because they think politics is not for them—a mindset he described as wrong.

Kyagulanyi addressing NUP supporters. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

"I urge you to encourage people you can reach to please vote. Tell them that when we vote, we can together change the destiny of this country," he said, adding that politics can also affect how long Ugandans live through policies that determine government spending on healthcare.

He told supporters that because of its strategic importance, Kampala often sets the tone for political change in the country, including during previous transitions of power.

"People everywhere — in Ankole, Busoga, Karamoja, everywhere — have urged me to tell you to stay strong. They say they are ready to stand with you," he said, drawing cheers from the crowd.

He urged voters not to be intimidated despite the challenges and acts of brutality they may face.

The NUP leader is scheduled to campaign in Mukono on Tuesday as he pushes to become president in next year’s general elections.