IGP Byakagaba Addressing Journalists at Naguru Police Headquarters
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, has warned that the police will employ proportionate force to enforce compliance with electoral guidelines, following alleged repeated breaches by the National Unity Platform (NUP), including unauthorized processions and assaults on law enforcement officers.
The presidential campaigns, which began on September 29, initially proceeded peacefully in several districts, earning praise from observers as one of the most tranquil election seasons. However, tensions have escalated over the past month, particularly between security forces and supporters of NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, resulting in violent clashes.
Incidents have been reported in Kampala, Mbarara, Arua, Lira, Kasese, Kayunga, Jinja, and Iganga, leading to the detention of over 400 NUP supporters. NUP has accused the police of partisanship. Addressing journalists at Police Headquarters in Naguru, IGP Byakagaba, flanked by Director of Police Operations, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Frank Mwesigwa, stated that the police have shown remarkable tolerance, giving political actors ample opportunity to comply with electoral regulations.
However, persistent non-compliance has necessitated the use of force to maintain public order. “We are duty-bound to enforce the relevant laws and guidelines to maintain public order, a prerequisite for peaceful elections,” Byakagaba said.
“We cannot have elections without peace, which is why we emphasize the importance of a peaceful election. Acts of hate speech, declarations of defiance, unauthorized processions, destruction of property, assaults on security personnel, campaigning beyond stipulated times, misuse of artificial intelligence, and criminality will not be tolerated furthermore.”
Byakagaba urged political parties to refrain from forming private security groups to protect candidates, stressing that the police are responsible for candidate security. He said private formations often lead to clashes and compromise public safety.
Regarding the violence during Kyagulanyi’s campaign in Kawempe, Byakagaba defended the use of teargas, citing attacks on police officers that left over seven injured. He dismissed claims of a witch hunt, emphasizing that police are constitutionally entitled to defend themselves.
“We’re tasked with preserving law and order. When we have intelligence and witness unacceptable behavior, can we just stand by? Our response depends on your conduct. In fact, we should be thanked for keeping the situation calm. The people expect me to respond accordingly,” Byakagaba said.
He added that the police will continue enforcing electoral guidelines, warning that they will strictly clamp down on NUP’s disregard for the 6:00 pm Electoral Commission deadline for ending campaigns, with no leniency this time.
Responding to queries about paper spraying and canine units, Byakagaba clarified that these tools are used only against individuals crossing into restricted “dog zones.” He explained that paper spraying incorporates artificial intelligence and is part of the police’s toolkit for maintaining order.
“We have additional assets at our disposal that we don’t always deploy, but when circumstances demand it, we will. In Kawempe, we designated a specific area for police officers, but the crowd attacked them, and by extension, the canine units. When police officers are attacked, it’s an attack on the entire operation,” he stated.
Kyagulanyi, who is campaigning in Kira and Kyadondo in Wakiso District, has consistently accused the police of bias and impunity, while the Electoral Commission has faced criticism for perceived inaction. Last week, however, the Commission issued a statement urging all presidential candidates to adhere to electoral guidelines, avoid processions, and promote peaceful elections.
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