Police warn against provocation of forces,  10 NUP supporters arrested in Lira

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Police have warned of firm action against individuals who attack law enforcement officers during the ongoing campaign period, warning that its operations will only focus on aggressors and not innocent civilians peacefully participating in political rallies.

Addressing journalists at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, on Wednesday, October 29,  Police Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said the Force is increasingly concerned about what he described as a “disturbing pattern of provocation, violence, and deliberate confrontation” by some campaign groups.

“The campaign trend for presidential candidates has generally been peaceful,” Kituuma said, “but certain individuals have developed a troubling habit of provoking police with increasing levels of aggression that have now become intolerable. These negative elements have escalated their actions to damaging vehicles, assaulting officers, and creating chaos."  

He was speaking in reference to a violent incident that occurred on October 28, 2025, along the Lira–Alebtong highway, near Obot Primary School in Bar Sub-county, Lira District, when a group of National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters allegedly attacked police officers who were conducting surveillance duties.

According to Kituuma, the officers, aboard a covert police vehicle, were following the candidate’s convoy as part of standard security arrangements when they were abruptly blocked and surrounded by a group of NUP supporters.

“The suspects vandalised the police vehicle by stabbing all four tyres with sharp metallic objects, removing the car key chip sensor, and stealing a laptop, diesel, and a bag of clothes belonging to one of the officers,” Kituuma said.

He explained that the group falsely accused the police of carrying a signal jammer disrupting their online communication network — an allegation he dismissed as “a deliberate fabrication to justify violent conduct.”

He added: “Since the start of the campaign period, candidates have been livestreaming freely, communicating openly, and even interacting with police in some areas,” he added.

“There is no truth to claims that police are interfering with their network.”

Kituuma said police have since arrested ten suspects, who are currently detained at Lira Central Police Station, while a green Toyota Hiace (commonly known as a drone) believed to have been used during the attack has been impounded. 

Investigations are ongoing to recover the stolen items and apprehend other accomplices still at large.

He revealed that the case has been registered at Bar Sub-county Police Station as one of malicious damage to property and robbery, and that police are already preparing the file for submission to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for immediate court action.

The police spokesperson also linked the Lira attack to a growing trend of hostility against security officers deployed to manage campaign activities. 

He cited previous incidents, including one in Mayuge District earlier this month where a police officer covering a campaign event was assaulted and robbed of his phone, another in Kyankwanzi District where a detective was beaten by a group of supporters, and a chaotic episode in Kisita Town Council, Kakumiro District, when a candidate allegedly diverted from an agreed campaign route, sparking confrontation with police.

“In all these situations, our officers were performing lawful duties, maintaining order, and ensuring the safety of both candidates and supporters,” Kituuma emphasised, adding that: “Unfortunately, a few people have decided to turn defiance and violence into their campaign strategy.”

He said police will continue providing equal protection to all candidates and their teams, but warned that the Force will not hesitate to act against those who deliberately attack or obstruct officers on duty.

“Our strategy is clear — we will go after those who attack our officers, not innocent civilians,” he stressed.

“We are committed to maintaining peace, and we shall remain firm in enforcing the law without fear or favour,” He said. 

Kituuma appealed to all political actors to conduct themselves with civility, adhere to the campaign guidelines, and respect police instructions meant to ensure order and safety.

“As the campaign season progresses, we urge all candidates and their supporters to cooperate with security agencies,” he said. 

He added: “Our goal is not to suppress anyone but to guarantee a peaceful and secure environment for all Ugandans.”