The Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, has issued a stern warning to journalists and media to desist from biased broadcasting, citing the dissemination of malicious content to the public during violent confrontations with security forces.
Delivering remarks while speaking about security situation at the weekly presser at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Byakagaba argued that public perception is being distorted by reporting that frames street clashes as primarily driven by police aggression
“We continue to see a pattern where only security agencies are questioned. But journalists must also ask the opposition why they engage in violent acts. Balanced reporting is essential if we are to understand the full picture,” Byakagaba said.
His warning comes as several districts have experienced rising street unrest linked to intensified political activity.
Security forces and opposition supporters have traded accusations over who initiates violence, while human rights organizations have urged all actors to exercise restraint.
Byakagaba condemned the increasing number of direct attacks on police officers responding to riots and illegal demonstrations. He stressed that no law prohibits an officer from defending themselves when confronted with violence, particularly when they face improvised weapons or organized acts of sabotage.
“Nothing whatsoever stops a police officer from protecting themselves. The laws of the country must be adhered to as we carry out political activities,” he noted.
Byakagaba cited cases in which individuals have punctured the tires of police vehicles, removed key chips from patrol cars to immobilize them, and used stones, knives, and other harmful materials during confrontations.
He warned that such tactics not only endanger officers but also escalate situations that would otherwise be manageable through routine crowd control measures.
The Police urged all political actors including parties, candidates, supporters, and civil society groups to engage in campaigns and mobilization responsibly and lawfully.
