Police Regret Violent Clashes at Kyagulanyi’s Gulu Rally as Electoral Commission Calls for Investigation

The Uganda Police Force has expressed regret over the violent confrontation that took place on Saturday during a rally for National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, in Gulu City.

The altercation, which involved police and Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) officers using sticks and guns to disperse the candidate’s supporters, has drawn widespread condemnation from political groups, the public, and human rights advocates.

According to the Uganda Police Force spokesperson, ACP Kituuma Rusoke, reports of the incident were received following a standoff between security personnel and Kyagulanyi’s supporters near the Bank of Uganda branch junction in Gulu.

The confrontation escalated quickly as videos emerged showing police officers caning civilians and striking them with sticks. These images, which spread rapidly on social media, have ignited outrage over the excessive use of force.

In an official statement, Rusoke called the incident “regrettable, undesirable, and unfortunate.”

He clarified that the police were escorting Kyagulanyi to the approved venue for his rally after his convoy was intercepted by security personnel.

Despite the tension, Kyagulanyi, accompanied by supporters and a heavy police and military presence, proceeded on foot along the Gulu-Kampala Highway to the designated rally grounds.

“The police regret what transpired, and we have instructed all officers to adhere to lawful and acceptable conduct during the election period,” Rusoke stated. “Any officer found responsible for acting outside the accepted standards of behavior will be investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.”

The spokesperson also reiterated the importance of maintaining peaceful campaign activities, urging all political candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and cooperate with law enforcement and security agencies. “We appeal to all stakeholders to engage in peaceful dialogue throughout the electoral process to ensure that Uganda’s elections remain peaceful and credible,” Rusoke emphasized.

However, the events in Gulu were just one of several instances of escalating tensions between security forces and political supporters.

Rusoke also condemned what he described as “continued and deliberate provocation” of security personnel by certain political groups.

On December 2, 2025, supporters of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi were reported to have obstructed police officers who were directing traffic in Wakiso District.

A video circulating on social media showed a motorcycle rider deliberately ramming into a police officer in Mbarara, nearly causing a fatal accident. Additionally, a female traffic officer was assaulted by political activists in a separate incident.

These episodes highlight the rising levels of aggression and violence surrounding the ongoing presidential campaigns. Police have warned that such behavior, whether by supporters or security forces, risks destabilizing the electoral process and endangering public safety.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has also weighed in on the incident in Gulu.