Police officials in Kampala, Uganda, admitted that violent clashes during election campaigns were due to “operational mistakes” and are avoidable.
Kampala, Uganda – Senior police officials have, for the first time, publicly attributed the violent clashes between civilians and security forces during the ongoing election campaigns to “operational mistakes,” admitting that such incidents are avoidable. The admission came during a critical media dialogue convened to address growing tensions and reported injustices from the past six weeks of political activity.
The meeting, organised jointly by the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), the Electoral Commission, and the Uganda Police Force, served as a platform for state actors to respond to mounting public criticism over campaign-period violence.
Police Express Regret, Cite Regulatory Framework
Commissioner Dianah Kyasimire, the Police’s Head of Human Rights, expressed regret over the confrontations. “We have seen various incidents that can be avoided to have clean elections,” she stated. She emphasised, however, that police actions have been guided by existing regulations, including the Police Act, to ensure candidates and their supporters adhere to approved campaign guidelines.
Human Rights Commission Highlights Alarming Trends
The Chairperson of the UHRC, Mariam Wangadya, presented pointed observations on the deteriorating campaign environment. She highlighted the dangerous rise of youth groups, often labelled as “foot soldiers,” who engage in unlawful acts. “These groups are supposed to be scrapped,” Wangadya asserted, calling for urgent action against political militias.
She also warned against the “emergence of politics of identity,” which she said is fostering division and undermining national unity in various regions—a trend she described as a significant threat to peaceful elections.
Electoral Commission Defends Its Roadmap
In response to accusations of failing to manage the process, Julius Muchunguzi, Spokesperson for the Electoral Commission, defended the institution’s preparedness. He stated that the Commission issued a clear roadmap that stipulated how candidates should conduct themselves, including the prohibition of unauthorised processions. The implication was that violations of these rules, not a failure of planning, have led to the chaos.
Communications Regulator Issues Stern Warning on Social Media
Adding a digital dimension to the dialogue, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) issued a strong warning against the misuse of the internet. Dr Salam Waiswa, the UCC Director in charge of Litigation, directly linked online activity to the government’s decision to restrict access to Facebook.
A Call for Course Correction
The dialogue represents an acknowledgement by key institutions that the campaign trail has been marred by preventable violence and division. While officials defended their regulatory frameworks, the collective call was for improved conduct from all actors—security, candidates, supporters, and media—in the remaining campaign period to salvage the integrity of the electoral process.
