Agency
The extensive training in Public Order Management provided to police officers has been credited with ensuring a peaceful election campaign trail.
In contrast to the 2020 presidential campaign, which was characterized by clashes between police and political groups, this year’s campaign has not recorded any major incidents.
One of the most notable flashpoints was the arrest of Bobi Wine on November 18, 2020, while campaigning in Luuka District, which triggered nationwide protests, resulting in significant violence and loss of life.
Back then, security forces used live bullets, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse the crowds, leading to at least 50 deaths and numerous injuries.
However, Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke told journalists at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Tuesday that the past weeks of presidential campaigns have been generally peaceful, with only minor incidents arising from misunderstandings.
Despite significant pressure from campaign teams and the public, the consistent guidance from zonal commanders to officers and CID personnel has enabled them to remain composed, even when facing numerous confrontations with political camps. Kituuma further explained that the peaceful campaign is the result of extensive training and rehearsals, which deliberately focused on equipping officers with better ways of policing campaigns.
