BREAKING: Uganda Police ‘Regret’ Violent Clashes with NUP Supporters in Gulu, Northern Uganda
Gulu, Uganda (7th December 2025) – The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has expressed deep regret over last weekend’s violent clashes between opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters and security forces in Gulu, northern Uganda. The incident, which occurred when security forces attempted to block access to Awere Grounds—where NUP’s presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (alias Bobi Wine), was scheduled to hold a rally—has raised serious concerns about the conduct of law enforcement during election campaigns.
Regrettable Incident: Police Respond to Violent Clashes
During the altercation, security forces reportedly descended on Bobi Wine’s supporters, beating them in an effort to prevent them from accessing the rally venue. Videos circulating on social media depicted security personnel, including some in plain clothes and soldiers, physically assaulting civilians. The clashes left several individuals injured, including Kyagulanyi’s aide, Dan Magic, who sustained serious head injuries.
Speaking to the media at the Naguru Police Headquarters, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke described the incident as “regrettable, undesirable, and unfortunate.” He emphasized that the Uganda Police Force was taking the matter very seriously and had launched a general inquiry into the events that unfolded in Gulu.
“The reports of the altercations were received, and videos circulating show civilians being battered during the encounter. A general inquiry into this matter is underway, and we will not wait for people to die. We need to address this matter urgently,” Rusoke stated. He assured the public that any officers found to have acted inappropriately would face personal consequences, and no personnel would be shielded from legal action.
Rising Concerns Over Police Conduct and Accountability
The violence on Gulu Airfield Road was a particularly concerning incident in the tense atmosphere surrounding the ongoing presidential campaigns. Videos captured the violence, showing uniformed police officers, soldiers, and some individuals in civilian clothing assaulting NUP supporters. The footage raised questions about the conduct of security personnel and their role in maintaining order during politically charged events.
Kituuma Rusoke acknowledged the severity of the situation, describing the operation as extreme and warning that such actions could lead to friendly fire or mistaken identity. He emphasized the need for better training and coordination, especially during a period of heightened political tensions.
“Election policing is a tense period, but these incidents serve as a lesson. When we review, these are mistakes that should never happen again,” Rusoke remarked.
Police Inquiry and Accountability
In response to growing public concern, Rusoke stated that a general inquiry had already been initiated to identify the officers responsible for the violent conduct and determine whether they violated established protocols. “We are investigating the actions of those involved, and anyone found guilty of misconduct will face the consequences,” Rusoke assured the public.
The incident in Gulu has drawn criticism from various sectors, including political analysts, journalists, and human rights organizations, who have expressed concerns about the increasing use of force by security agencies during political campaigns. Many observers have called for more stringent oversight of law enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Political Fallout and Allegations of Campaign Suppression
The Gulu clash is part of a broader pattern of violent incidents linked to Bobi Wine’s campaign, which has seen tensions between NUP supporters and security forces escalate since the start of the presidential campaign in September. In November, over 100 NUP supporters were arrested in Mbarara during a violent confrontation with police, which has led to accusations from Kyagulanyi and his party that security forces are deliberately trying to suppress their campaign.
Bobi Wine has repeatedly accused the Ugandan government of using heavy-handed tactics to stifle political opposition, and the events in Gulu have only fueled these allegations. In a statement following the violence, Kyagulanyi condemned the use of force and urged the Electoral Commission and Uganda Human Rights Commission to step in and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Electoral Commission Responds to Gulu Violence
The Electoral Commission (EC) has also weighed in on the Gulu incident. Simon Byabakama, the EC chairperson, condemned the violence, calling it “unfortunate and uncalled for.” Byabakama urged law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
“We urge all security agencies to prioritize the safety and security of the public and to ensure that election activities are conducted peacefully. The people of Uganda have the right to participate in the electoral process without fear of violence or intimidation,” Byabakama stated.
The Broader Context: Election Violence and Security Concerns
The violence in Gulu is not an isolated event. Tensions have been mounting across the country as Uganda heads into the presidential election season, with both the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and opposition parties accusing each other of using violent tactics to influence the election. As the contest between President Yoweri Museveni and Robert Kyagulanyi intensifies, the role of security forces in ensuring a fair and peaceful election is under increasing scrutiny.
Analysts warn that such incidents could undermine public trust in the election process, leading to increased polarization and a perception that the government is not committed to holding free and fair elections. The ongoing inquiries and calls for greater accountability from security forces are seen as critical to restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
Conclusion: The Path Ahead for Law Enforcement and Election Security
As the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies continue to face scrutiny over their handling of political tensions, the Gulu clash serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead in ensuring a peaceful and transparent election process. The general inquiry into the violence is ongoing, and the government faces increasing pressure to take concrete steps to prevent further escalation.
With Bobi Wine’s campaign gaining momentum and public sentiment increasingly critical of security tactics, all eyes will be on how the authorities respond to these incidents in the weeks leading up to the election.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
