Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has called for an immediate investigation into the violent incidents involving presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and his supporters during a campaign event in Gulu City on 6 December 2025.
In an official letter dated 7th December 2025, to the Inspector General of Police, UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya expressed deep concern over images circulating in the media showing police officers and men dressed in army uniforms using long sticks and beating supporters of the opposition candidate. The Commission said the actions captured on video and photographs clearly contravened prescribed policing standards.
According to the UHRC, Kyagulanyi was scheduled to campaign in Gulu in line with the Electoral Commission roadmap, making the mistreatment of his supporters both alarming and unacceptable.
“The Commission is extremely concerned about the manner in which he and his supporters were treated,” Wangadya stated in the letter. She added that the scenes depicted “indiscriminate beating” of civilians, raising questions about the conduct and professionalism of the security personnel involved.
The Commission has demanded that the Uganda Police Force provide a full explanation regarding the events of that day and outline steps taken to identify and hold accountable all individuals responsible for the violence.
Beyond accountability, the UHRC is urging the police leadership to lay out clear measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing the need to safeguard citizens’ rights to freely participate in democratic processes.
Wangadya stressed that excessive use of force against civilians not only violates human rights but also undermines public confidence in national security institutions during a critical election period.
The UHRC’s intervention adds to growing public debate over the conduct of security forces as the 2026 general elections draw nearer.
