Uganda’s Path to 2026 Elections Threatened by Campaign Violence—But Can Dialogue Prevail?
The road to Uganda’s 2026 General Election hit a major roadblock earlier this month when violence erupted in Gulu City during a campaign rally for National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi. The incident, which left several injured and resulted in widespread vandalism, has sparked widespread concern about the future of peaceful campaigning in the country. But here's where it gets controversial: While the Electoral Commission (EC) has swiftly condemned the violence and called for restraint, questions linger about the root causes and who bears responsibility.
In a statement, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama expressed deep disappointment, noting the violence occurred mere days after a joint meeting between the EC, representatives of all eight presidential candidates, and the Uganda Police Force. This meeting had aimed to ensure a peaceful campaign season. "It’s disheartening to see such a setback," Byabakama said, emphasizing that the initial weeks of campaigning, which began on September 29, had been largely incident-free. And this is the part most people miss: Despite the recent violence, the EC reaffirmed that all candidates retain the right to campaign freely across Uganda, provided they adhere to electoral laws and guidelines.
Byabakama stressed the importance of resolving campaign-related disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation. "Disagreements are inevitable, but violence should never be the answer," he stated. "We urge all parties to prioritize peaceful discussions to address any issues."
The EC also called on security agencies to enforce campaign rules with professionalism and restraint. "Law enforcement must act proportionately and humanely, ensuring their measures align with the situation on the ground and comply with the law," Byabakama added.
EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi echoed this sentiment, appealing to candidates, their supporters, and security officers to uphold peace as the campaigns progress. However, the incident in Gulu raises troubling questions. At least five NUP supporters were injured when armed street gangs attacked Kyagulanyi’s campaign team, vandalizing vehicles and sound equipment. Kyagulanyi himself accused the state of enabling the violence, framing it as part of a broader pattern of intimidation. "This is a deliberate attempt to silence us," he stated, alleging that the attack followed earlier incidents, including a military raid on the party’s Gulu office.
Is this an isolated incident, or a symptom of deeper political tensions? The EC’s call for dialogue is commendable, but will it be enough to prevent future outbreaks of violence? As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 elections, these questions demand urgent answers. What do you think? Is dialogue the solution, or are more drastic measures needed to ensure a peaceful electoral process? Let us know in the comments below.
