Tension escalated at the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters today Tuesday, July 22, 2025, when four members of the Democratic Party’s (DP) Young Democrats allegedly attempted to force their way into the Commission’s offices, resulting in their arrest.
The group included Ismail Kirya, President of the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), Anthony Wadimba (35) from Kayunga, Julius Damba (32) from Kawala, and Michael (29) from Entebbe. They reportedly stormed the EC premises demanding an urgent meeting with the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango, the group intended to raise concerns over what they described as “illegitimacy” in the current DP party leadership under Norbert Mao.
They cited alleged irregularities in the recently held DP Delegates Conference in Mbarara, claiming it was marred by manipulation and lacked transparency.
“They were advised to follow the proper procedures by scheduling an official appointment. However, the group refused, became rowdy, and attempted to push past security personnel,” Onyango stated.
He said that police intervened swiftly to control the situation and led to the arrest of the four and taken to Central Police Station (CPS), where they were charged with being a public nuisance and causing disorderly conduct.
He said that the eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes outside the EC gate, with the group chanting slogans and brandishing placards accusing Mao of “selling the party to the regime.
“They came here angry and shouted that they would not leave until their demands were heard by Byabakama. The situation quickly escalated,” a security guard at the venue narrated.
The four suspects remain in custody ahead of a scheduled court appearance later this week.
Police have called on political activists to pursue lawful channels to air their grievances instead of resorting to confrontational methods.
