By Ben Musanje
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has issued a fierce condemnation of the brutal assault on the National Unity Platform (NUP) campaign in Gulu, calling the violence a shocking violation of Ugandans’ constitutional rights to free political participation.
The attack, which took place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, saw several NUP supporters injured and left the public outraged as security forces violently cracked down on Bobi Wine’s campaign.
In a statement that has sent shockwaves through the country, the ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe condemned what it described as the latest in a disturbing series of politically motivated attacks targeting NUP supporters.
Just two weeks ago, NUP backers in Kawempe were brutally beaten, and a similar crackdown took place in Mbarara a month earlier.
The ULS has already managed to secure bail for 20 individuals, but continues to fight for the release of others still behind bars.
“The continued targeting of one political party and its supporters while others campaign without interference is a direct assault on Uganda’s democratic process,” said Asiimwe. “Campaigning is a right, not a crime. Why should only one candidate face violence while others are allowed to campaign freely?”
The Law Society has called for immediate action from the Ugandan government and security forces, urging an end to the violence, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests aimed at political campaigners.
ULS also demanded that the Electoral Commission step in and ensure the elections remain fair and impartial, with all political parties and candidates free to campaign without fear of harassment.
“This culture of impunity and brutality must end if Uganda is to hold free and fair elections in 2026,” ULS emphasized. “The Electoral Commission must do more to ensure neutrality and protect citizens’ rights to peacefully engage in political activities.”
As Uganda braces for the high-stakes 2026 elections, the call for an end to political violence is growing louder, with civil society, citizens, and now the Uganda Law Society demanding justice.
Bobi Wine, the leader of NUP, has vowed that this violence will not stop his campaign.
Speaking to the press at the School of Leadership Kamwokya old offices, Kyagulanyi condemned the assault as “unprovoked and unacceptable,” describing it as a direct attack on his team and supporters.
“Most of the beatings were aimed at my bodyguards and the comrades around me,” Kyagulanyi said. “They even hit my bulletproof vest. But let me make this clear, this violence will NOT stop us from pursuing the new Uganda we envision.”
Several NUP members were left injured in the wake of the clashes, with some still bedridden and receiving treatment.
Kyagulanyi accused senior security officials of remaining silent on the matter, calling their inaction “an endorsement” of the violence.
“The silence from the security leadership shows they agree with what is happening,” Kyagulanyi said defiantly. “But let me tell you this, no amount of intimidation will break our spirit.”
Kyagulanyi also called on international bodies to speak out against what he called “consistent attacks on opposition leaders,” urging global actors to condemn the violence.
The violent crackdown in Gulu reached its peak when armed gangs carrying bottles and machetes stormed the rally venue just as Kyagulanyi’s convoy was intercepted by armed soldiers and police.
Witnesses say at least five NUP supporters were injured, and property including vehicles and sound equipment were destroyed during the attack.
Kyagulanyi, forced to walk several kilometers to reach his supporters after being blocked by security forces, was shielded by his team as the violence escalated.
Videos circulating on social media show security officers violently pushing back the crowd, with Kyagulanyi’s bodyguards and supporters trying to protect him from further harm.
The situation grew even more intense when Kyagulanyi’s close ally, Daniel Oyirwoth, aka Sir Dan Magic, suffered a head injury during a confrontation with security forces at the Bank of Uganda junction.
Despite calls for justice, the Electoral Commission’s weak response has been widely criticized.
Kyagulanyi dismissed the EC’s statement as inadequate, accusing the body of downplaying the severity of the attack. “The Electoral Commission reacted as if this was a minor issue,” he said. “They should be holding the officers responsible for this violence.”
In a strange response, police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma suggested that Kyagulanyi take his complaints to parliament, claiming that was the appropriate place for fair treatment. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
