By Robert Segawa
Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba has issued a strong warning against what he describes as increasing acts of defiance by the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate and supporters during the ongoing 2026 campaign season.
Speaking during a press conference at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, where he delivered an update on the security situation ahead of the 2026 general elections, Byakagaba condemned the conduct exhibited at several campaign events.
He cited incidents such as assaulting and injuring officers on duty, damaging police vehicles, spreading hate speech, incitement, violating traffic regulations, campaigning past the permitted 6 p.m. deadline, and openly provoking security personnel.
“For such acts of defiance, the police cannot simply sit back and watch—we have to take action,” Byakagaba stressed.
He pointed to scenarios where police advise supporters to vacate campaign venues, only for some to resist and confront officers. According to him, such resistance legally warrants a formal proclamation by the officer in charge before further enforcement measures are taken.
“You find people at a rally, you advise them to leave, but instead they gang up against the officer in protest. That is wrong,” Byakagaba said.
He explained that such confrontations often necessitate the deployment of tear gas and other lawful crowd-control tools to restore order.
Regarding the use of police dogs, Byakagaba said the Canine Unit was deployed to protect restricted areas, but some supporters attempted to attack the dogs and breach security boundaries.
The IGP urged all presidential and political candidates to respect the laws governing elections, assuring the public that the police will maintain security before, during, and after the 2026 general elections.
