Gulu / Kampala — December 8, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
The Uganda Electoral Commission has officially condemned the violent confrontations that erupted during a campaign rally for opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine in Gulu on December 6, calling the incidents “unfortunate and uncalled for.
In a statement signed by Commission Chairman Justice Simon Byabakama, the Electoral Commission described the scenes as a shocking breach of agreed-upon electoral conduct, especially coming just days after a joint meeting between candidate agents and the security forces that pledged peaceful campaigning. The Commission emphasised that “violence is inconsistent with free, fair and credible elections.”
The Commission insisted that every duly nominated presidential candidate — including Bobi Wine — has the right to campaign anywhere in the country, provided they follow electoral laws and guidelines. It urged law-enforcement agencies to pursue transparent investigations into the incident and to ensure that any officers found responsible are held to account under the law.
The statement also called for restraint from all security agencies in enforcing campaign regulations, urging them to use only lawful and proportionate means when dealing with public-order matters.
According to reports by witnesses and the candidate himself, security forces allegedly used canes and batons against supporters, and several people were hospitalised with severe injuries. Among those injured was a prominent supporter of Bobi Wine, adding fuel to growing concerns over political violence ahead of the January 15, 2026 presidential election.
Observers say the Electoral Commission’s condemnation marks a rare public rebuke by a regulatory body signalling possible pressure on security agencies to uphold campaign-period neutrality as the country edges closer to a highly contested election.