By BM
Journalists were left stunned on Wednesday when the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba failed to appear at a press briefing he had personally scheduled, leaving the session to be conducted by ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the Police spokesperson.
The briefing, set for 11:00 AM and communicated to media houses via official whatsApp text, provided no explanation for the IGP’s absence, raising questions about leadership at the top as violent incidents unfolded along the National Unity Platform (NUP) campaign trail.
During the briefing at Police headquarters Naguru, ACP Rusoke detailed a string of attacks by NUP supporters on police officers, including the arrest of ten individuals Precious Paul Ssembusi, Ismail Bukenya, Liberty Lokoro, Mastura Nakabuye, Raston Waiswa, Hope Nasozi, Saliman Kagwa, Regan Kamulegeya, Stephen Katamba, and Alison Lubega—who allegedly assaulted officers, vandalized a police vehicle, and stole property on October 28 near Obot Primary School in Obot A village while following presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi’s convoy.
The attackers reportedly punctured the tires of a police vehicle, UBK 380Q, stole a laptop, a bag of clothes, two 20-liter jerry cans of diesel, and a car key chip sensor.
Police dismissed the claim by the suspects that the vehicle carried a jammer interfering with their communications, noting that the campaign team had been livestreaming and communicating freely throughout the campaign trail.
Police also impounded a green Toyota Hiace drone, registration UA 933AU, while investigations continue to recover stolen items and identify other accomplices.
ACP Rusoke highlighted previous violent incidents involving NUP supporters, including assaults in Mayuge District on October 3, Kyankwanzi District on October 8, and Kisiita Town Council on October 21, where Mr. Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine allegedly deviated from a pre-agreed route, causing damage to police vehicles and forcing standoffs with unruly crowds.
Additional cases included assaults on officers in Busia and other districts, with at least 15 suspects arrested so far, while some remain at large.
Despite the gravity of the events being discussed, the IGP’s failure to appear at a press briefing he personally convened left journalists questioning why the nation’s top police officer was absent during one of the most critical security updates of the campaign season.
No explanation was provided, intensifying speculation about accountability and oversight within the force.
ACP Rusoke stressed that the police remain committed to providing security for all candidates but warned that criminality, hooliganism, and deviation from agreed campaign routes would not be tolerated.
He urged all political actors to maintain civility and respect for the law.
The briefing served as both a warning about escalating tensions along the campaign trail and a spotlight on an unusual leadership gap at the highest level of the Uganda Police. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
