The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has condemned the use of criminal gangs to terrorize citizens during political mobilization events in Kampala.

Speaking at a press briefing on June 30, 2025, held at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, the FDC’s Deputy Secretary for Publicity in charge of Publications and Documentation, Mulindwa Walid Lubega, said the party denounces such tactic in the strongest possible terms and called for an end to such violence.

“Those who form and command these criminal gangs must remember that the wheels of justice may come slow, but they will definitely arrive,” Mulindwa said.

According to the party, during the events marking President Museveni’s bid to extend his leadership of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), criminal groups were deployed on the streets of Kampala.

The party accuses senior security figures Christopher Damulira and Emma Kuteesa of coordinating these operations.

According to Mulindwa, the gangs “robbed and beat citizens with impunity,” and he cited a case in which a mobile money operator was stabbed and robbed, while others were attacked during the chaos.

Mulindwa also drew historical parallels, alleging that the use of such gangs has been a recurring tactic in Ugandan politics since 2001, starting with the Kalangala Action Plan under Maj. Kakooza Mutale, which allegedly targeted supporters of then-presidential candidate Col Kizza Besigye.

He added that in later years, similar actions were carried out by groups such as Boda Boda 2010, reportedly led by Abdallah Kitatta, who was later convicted on separate charges.

“This pattern of intimidation and political violence must stop,” Mulindwa stated. “Ugandans deserve peaceful and democratic participation, not terror,” Mulindwa explained.

The FDC party is urging law enforcement and human rights agencies to investigate the reported incidents and hold those responsible to account.

The Uganda Police Force has not yet responded to the allegations.