2026 polls: Kyagulanyi welcomes EC response to Gulu violence

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National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential flag-bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has welcomed the Electoral Commission’s (EC) condemnation of the violence that disrupted his campaign rally in Gulu city.

He has, however, urged the Commission to take stronger, decisive action against what he describes as " blatant illegality by security forces and pro-government groups". 

The EC's statement on December 7 labelled the clashes as "unfortunate and uncalled for," urging the Police to investigate those responsible.

However, Kyagulanyi insists that EC must directly address the perpetrators he accuses of orchestrating the violence, beyond issuing general statements.

Kyagulanyi made the remarks on December 8, 2025, while speaking at the party's school of leadership headquarters in Kamwokya, Kampala city, ahead of his campaigns in Nakawa.

The unrest in Gulu city

The unrest occurred when the military and Police blocked all access roads to Awere Grounds in Gulu City on December 6, forcing Kyagulanyi to abandon his vehicle and proceed on foot. 

Along the way, soldiers and youth clad in yellow T-shirts confronted and beat Kyagulanyi, his team and even Electoral Commission security officers with sticks. Several people were injured, including Kyagulanyi’s aide, Daniel Brenny Ayerwot, known as Dan Magic.

Despite the chaos, Kyagulanyi and his supporters pressed on to the venue amid heavy teargas.

While speaking to journalists at Kamwokya, Kyagulanyi criticised the EC’s response as insufficient, noting that its chairperson, Justice Byabakama, did not condemn the violence, Police and military blockades, or the destruction at the rally site. 

He alleged that groups wearing yellow T-shirts vandalised sound equipment, destroyed the campaign truck stage, and stole computers and amplifiers under the watch of over 1,000 deployed Police and soldiers. 

He urged EC to explicitly call out such actions and demand accountability, emphasising the Commission’s duty to speak with clarity and authority when electoral violations occur.

Call for calm

EC appealed for calm, reminding candidates they are free to campaign anywhere in Uganda as long as they comply with the law and calling on law enforcement to use restraint and humane means. It also encouraged dialogue to resolve disagreements on the campaign trail.