By Jumah Kakomo
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President, Jimmy Akena, has called for the immediate withdrawal of the military from all electoral campaign activities, expressing concern over the growing involvement of armed personnel in the country’s democratic processes.
Akena made the remarks on Wednesday following reports of violence and intimidation directed at opposition candidates and their supporters, particularly those aligned with National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine.
He argued that the presence of the army at campaign events undermines democratic principles and creates an uneven playing field for candidates. “Someone is unarmed but is being clobbered by people in uniform, masked, and holding them down. No. Let us have an honest conversation about the future of Uganda,” Akena said.
Akena emphasized that national campaigns must be conducted in an environment that is free, fair, and safe, allowing all contenders to express their views without fear or intimidation. His comments come amid several reported incidents of assaults on opposition figures and their supporters by individuals in military uniform and plain clothes.
He noted that those who violate the law and interfere with democratic electoral processes should understand the long struggle Uganda endured to restore a multi-party political system an effort that included prolonged legal battles and constitutional amendments after years of a “no-party democracy” from 1986 to 2005.
According to Akena, the UPC, which played a significant role in advocating for the return of multiparty politics, remains committed to upholding those democratic values. However, he observed that security agencies, especially the police and the army, appear not to appreciate their role in supporting a genuine multiparty system, placing the country’s democratic progress at risk.
Akena further highlighted that Uganda has experienced election-related and post-election violence in 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021, resulting in deaths and severe injuries. He described this pattern as deeply regrettable, saying it undermines the rule of law, constitutionalism, and fundamental freedoms such as association, assembly, and expression.
He condemned the treatment of Kyagulanyi and his supporters during campaign activities in Acholi, West Nile, Ankole, Kawempe, and Nakawa, calling the incidents unacceptable. He specifically pointed to the excessive force and brutality witnessed in Gulu on 6 December 2025, saying such conduct must be discouraged.
Akena said the UPC joins other stakeholders in demanding an immediate and transparent investigation into the incidents and for those responsible to be held accountable. He also called for consideration of compensation for affected individuals and damaged property.
“UPC reiterates that the army should be withdrawn from elections, and the role of the police mandated to maintain law and order should be clearly defined by the Independent Electoral Commission,” Akena stated.
