The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has expressed ‘regret’ over last weekend’s violent clashes between the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters and security forces in Gulu, northern Uganda.
Security forces descended and beat up Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine’s supporters, in an attempt to block access to Awere Grounds, where the NUP presidential candidate was scheduled to hold a rally.
Addressing journalists at Naguru police headquarters, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke described the incident as “regrettable, undesirable, and unfortunate” and announced that a general inquiry has been launched.
“The reports of the altercations were received, and videos circulating show civilians being battered during the encounter. A general inquiry into this matter is underway, and we will not wait for people to die. We need to address this matter urgently,” Rusoke said.
He warned that any officer found to have acted inappropriately will personally face consequences and emphasised that no personnel will be shielded by law. Supporters along Gulu Airfield road were severely beaten, including Kyagulanyi’s aide, Dan Magic, who sustained head injuries.
Videos from the incident showed individuals in plainclothes and soldiers striking NUP supporters, with some police officers, including those assigned to protect Kyagulanyi, also affected. Kituuma described the operation as extreme and warned that such actions could lead to friendly fire or mistaken identity.
“Election policing is a tense period, but these incidents serve as a lesson. When we review, these are mistakes that should never happen again,” he said.
Journalists questioned the police’s ability to manage political tensions, particularly where soldiers and plainclothed personnel appeared to take control. Kituuma confirmed that top commanders are meeting to review standard operating procedures and improve coordination.
I am sincerely grateful to the ordinary residents of Gulu as well as our security team for withstanding this savage brutality in order to protect us. Those criminals even beat up the police officers attached to our campaign.
I am very grateful to the media who despite being… pic.twitter.com/5IFEfF2U6S
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) December 7, 2025
The Gulu clash is not an isolated event. Since the start of presidential campaigns in September, multiple violent incidents have been reported, including the arrest of more than 100 NUP supporters in Mbarara on November 7.
Kyagulanyi has repeatedly accused security forces of attempting to suppress his campaign. Electoral Commission chairperson Simon Byabakama condemned the Gulu violence as “unfortunate and uncalled for” and urged law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint while conducting a thorough investigation.
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