Agency
The Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, in a press statement on Sunday evening, condemned the violent confrontation against has condemned the violence and intimidation that marred the campaign visit of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu in Gulu City.
Their concerns follow chaotic scenes on Saturday when groups of youth attacked traders, vandalized property, and assaulted some supporters of Kyagulanyi while security forces allegedly looked on.
Justice Byabakama noted that the incident was unfortunate, especially after a few days when the commission met with all the presidential candidates and the police to address the issues.
Justice Byabakama noted that a duly nominated candidate is free to traverse any part of the country, provided they are acting within the law and guidelines of the Electoral Commission.
He appealed for dialogue, not violence and confrontation in any case of disagreement or “any matter” during the campaign trail and called on law enforcement to exercise restraint, proportionate, lawful, and humane means while enforcing compliance with the electoral laws and guidelines.
Uganda is set to hold a presidential election on January 15, 2026.
Kyagulanyi is among the eight presidential candidates nominated for the race seeking to end the nearly 40-year rule of President Yoweri Museveni.
