The Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on security agencies to act in a non-violent and non-partisan manner while maintaining law and order during political campaigns across Uganda.
In a statement posted on his official Twitter (X) page on Thursday, 27thNovember, 2025, Mayiga emphasized that banning processions of party supporters is unrealistic.
“Once again, I urge police and security agencies to keep law and order in a non-violent and non-partisan manner during this campaign period. It’s unrealistic to ban processions of supporters,” Mayiga said.
According to Mayiga, security should not expect total calmness during the processions of party supporters, adding that political rallies are not prayer meetings to which worshipers go calmly.
“Political rallies are about excitement. And with Uganda’s public transport system, including bodabodas, it is unrealistic to expect supporters to move to campaign venues quietly,” he explained.
Mayiga also urged security agencies to ensure that supporters do not harm others during processions, while allowing them the freedom to follow their leaders as they wish.
“Ensure supporters do not harm others, but let them be. Bullets, tear gas, dogs! These make the Pearl of Africa bleed,” he warned.
Mayiga’s appeal to the security agencies follows the numerous statements made by political commentators condemning the unrealistic manner security has used in maintaining law and order during the campaign period.
However, the Uganda police spokesperson, AP Rusoke Kituuma, has since held his ground on the matter of political processions, advising that no candidate is allowed to generate a procession.
ACP Kituuma advised that candidates should hold rallies in designated spaces to control traffic and ensure public safety.
The tension between security forces and opposition supporters ahead of the 2026 elections is fueled by perceptions that the police are aligned with the ruling party, a concern that opposition leaders have repeatedly raised.
As Uganda enters the final stretch of its election season, Mayiga’s message emphasizes the delicate balance between maintaining order and respecting citizens’ political freedoms, highlighting the urgent need for neutral and responsible policing.
