Police speak on Bobi Wine residence deployment, defend spot checks

KAMPALA - Police have clarified that there is no curfew in force across the country, saying ongoing spot checks and security deployments are lawful measures aimed at maintaining public order and national security.

There had been reports of curfew in Kireka and Bulenga in Wakiso district after 11:00pm. 

Addressing the media at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, today, February 9, 2026, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said a curfew is a highly restrictive measure that limits free movement and is currently not in place.

“There is no curfew. A curfew is a very restrictive measure, and we are not operating under one,” Kituuma said, adding that "What we have are spot checks carried out in the interest of security and in line with our mandate.”

Kituuma explained that under the law, police have the authority to stop and check individuals and vehicles, and where necessary, make arrests or seize items arising from such checks.

“The Police have powers to stop, check, arrest, seize and impound items where it is necessary for investigations. These are lawful powers exercised by police institutions not only in Uganda, but across the world,” he said.

Security deployment at Bobi Wine’s home

Kituuma also addressed questions about the continued Police presence at the home of National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, in Magere and surrounding areas.

“We still have security presence around the precincts of his home, and this has been explained before. It is purely for security reasons and in the interest of national security,” he said.

Responding to concerns raised by journalists over police charging activists and politicians with inciting violence, Kituuma said the Uganda Police Force operates within a broader justice system that includes the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

He dismissed suggestions that the deployment implied criminal wrongdoing by Kyagulanyi.

“If he commits a particular offence, the Police will certainly take action either by inviting him or arresting him. But as of now, the presence there is an operational posture for security purposes,” Kituuma said.

Inciting violence charges

Responding to concerns raised by journalists over police charging activists and politicians with inciting violence, Kituuma said the Uganda Police Force operates within a broader justice system that includes the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“In the dispensation of justice, there are many actors. Police investigate and bring facts before the DPP. It is the DPP who decides whether to sanction a charge,” he said.
Kituuma noted that if a charge lacks substance, it would not be sustained.

“If what we present does not convince the DPP, the suspect is likely to go free. But once a charge is sanctioned, it means there is merit in the facts presented,” he said.

He added that all charges brought by police must be anchored in written law, including the offence of inciting violence.

“We charge people in line with existing written laws. There are checks and balances throughout the justice process,” he said.