KAMPALA, Dec 8 (The african Portal) – The Electoral Commission of Uganda has denounced the violent confrontations that erupted during the presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s (Bobi Wine) campaign rally in Gulu on Saturday, December 6, 2025, terming the incident “unfortunate and uncalled for.”
Bobi Wine, the National Unity Platform party leader, has also blasted the incumbent president, Yoweri Museveni’s administration , for resorting to violence in silencing the NUP supporters ahead of the 2026 general election in Uganda.
”They deployed goons who started beating up our people. In the afternoon, they raided the venue for our campaign rally, beat up our people, vandalised our sound system, and stole several items. Those beaten include one of our drivers, who is yet to regain consciousness,” Bobi Wine took to X on Saturday, December 6, 2027.
In a statement issued by EC Chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon on Monday, December 8, 2025, the Commission expressed regret that the clashes occurred barely days after a joint meeting between all presidential candidates’ agents and the Uganda Police Force, where stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful, law-abiding campaigns.
”As we await investigations into the incident to establish the root causes, the Commission wishes to state that this was unfortunate and uncalled for, especially coming just days after the meeting of all agents of Presidential candidates and the Uganda Police Force, to iron out any issues, with all those in attendance committing to peaceful conduct in accordance with the law,” the Commission’s statement said in part.
According to the Commission, the scenes witnessed in Gulu violated this pledge and ran contrary to its long-standing appeals for calm, respect for the law, and adherence to electoral guidelines. Justice Byabakama emphasised that violence undermines the credibility of the electoral process and threatens Uganda’s ability to hold free, fair, and credible elections.
”Violence is inconsistent with the Commission’s enduring calls on all stakeholders to act peacefully and in accordance with electoral laws to enable Ugandans to have free, fair and credible elections. A duly nominated Presidential candidate is free to traverse any part of Uganda to campaign, provided he or she is acting in line with the law and guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission,” it added.
Campaign freedom
The EC has also reiterated that every duly nominated presidential candidate has the legal right to campaign in any part of the country, provided they comply with established laws and guidelines. Restricting or disrupting a candidate’s movements without a legal basis, the Commission noted, is unacceptable.
“If there is any disagreement on any matter on the campaign trail, the Commission appeals for dialogue, not violence and confrontation,” the statement read.
Call for investigation
At the same time, the Commission has called on the Uganda Police Force to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Saturday incident and ensure that all individuals involved are held accountable in accordance with the law.
At the same time, the EC urged law enforcement officers to exercise restraint and deploy only “proportionate, lawful, and humane” methods when enforcing compliance with electoral guidelines. In the forthcoming presidential polls, Bobi Wine of NUP will face Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement.
Credit: Peopledaily
