After Tensions With NUP and FDC, Police Advocate for Joint Organizing Committees

By Robert Segawa
The Uganda Police have called on all presidential candidates to establish organizing committees that will collaborate with security agencies to ensure smooth and peaceful campaigns during the ongoing election roadmap.

This appeal follows incidents involving some presidential candidates, including Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and James Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), who have recently clashed with security personnel deployed to oversee their campaign activities.

In several instances, police have blocked these candidates from using their preferred routes to campaign venues, instead directing them through alternative routes described as “bad and impassable.”

Addressing the media at police headquarters in Naguru, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke emphasized the need for coordination between candidates’ organizing teams and the police to prevent unnecessary tensions.

“Disagreements are bound to happen,” said Kituuma, “but they can be resolved peacefully and without violence.”

Kituuma noted that a security assessment of the first week of presidential campaigns showed an overall peaceful atmosphere, despite isolated incidents. He cited a serious accident at Namyoya along the Karagi–Gayaza road where six people were injured due to reckless driving.

He reminded the public and campaign teams that traffic laws remain in effect during the election period and urged all participants to respect them.

Kituuma concluded with optimism, expressing confidence that the second week of the presidential campaigns will be secure and well-managed if cooperation between candidates and security agencies improves.