Police launch crackdown on election violence, arrest several in Mbarara

The Uganda Police Force has announced a major crackdown on incidents of election-related violence, citing a growing pattern of attacks on officers, destruction of government property, and assaults linked to supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) during campaign activities.

In a statement released on Friday, police said that while the presidential campaign trail has “largely remained peaceful,” a few individuals have continuously provoked security officers and engaged in violent acts. These actions, the statement noted, include damaging police vehicles, assaulting officers, and blocking roads — behavior the force says is “unacceptable and will have consequences.”

According to the statement, multiple incidents have been recorded across several districts.

In Busia, suspects traveling in an NUP convoy allegedly assaulted a police officer, leading to a case being filed at Busia CPS under CRB 1038/2025. On October 3, in Mayuge District, an officer was attacked and seriously injured, with his phone stolen during NUP campaign activities.

Police further reported that on October 8, a detective constable was assaulted during a rally at Bikoma Primary School in Kyankwanzi. In Kakumiro District, the windshield of a police vehicle was smashed in Kisita Town Council on October 21. Later that month, on October 28, officers escorting the NUP presidential convoy between Lira City and Alebtong District were attacked, their vehicle tires punctured, and property stolen.

A day later, on October 29, NUP bodyguards reportedly assaulted a man identified as Edibu Emmanuel in Abim District, leaving him hospitalized. The statement also cited an assault on a journalist working with Tayari Television in Kiruhura District on November 5.

Police said that several arrests were made in Mbarara District on November 7, targeting individuals with criminal records accused of assaulting officers, destroying property, and obstructing police work.

“The Uganda Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding all candidates, but will not tolerate criminality or disorder,” the statement read, urging political actors to “conduct themselves civilly, respect legal frameworks, and maintain peace throughout the campaign period.”

The force emphasized that police action is not directed at law-abiding campaign participants but at those “who, by choice, repeatedly confront officers and incite violence.”