By BM
Users on X (formerly Twitter) have called on the Uganda Police Force to take action against two uniformed officers seen in a viral video allegedly tearing down campaign posters of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
The incidents, which reportedly took place on Wednesday, September 24, occurred during police operations in Kampala and Mbale.
The footage, widely circulated online, shows altercations between police and opposition supporters in Kampala’s Mini Price area in the Central Business District and along Pallisa Road on the Mbale-Kampala Highway.
NUP supporters were seen marching with placards and posters of Kyagulanyi before being dispersed by security personnel. In the process, several campaign materials, including posters bearing Kyagulanyi’s image, appeared to be torn or destroyed by officers—some in uniform and others in plain clothes.
Critics were quick to point out what they described as a double standard in the enforcement of electoral laws.
They cited the recent arrest and prosecution of 15 NUP supporters on July 14, 2025, for allegedly defacing posters of incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.
The group was charged under Section 78(2) of the Presidential Elections Act, which prohibits the defacement of campaign materials.
The individuals charged were identified as Sande Ddamba, Junior Amanya, Marvin Sendago, Moses Rwanguhayo, George Mukoza, Akram Ssenkumba, Diriisa Kintu, Vincent Kizito, Abdul Tamale, Ali Mwesigwa, Peter Nsambya, Alex Kasagga, Fred Bisimungu, Alfred Kato, and Charles Lukyamuzi.
They were accused of tearing Museveni’s posters in Kibumbiro Zone, Busega, and have since been remanded to Luzira Prison pending further proceedings.
Supporters argued that if civilians were prosecuted for such acts, police officers caught on video should face the same legal consequences.
One user insisted that the two officers should be jailed while investigations are conducted.
Public reaction online was swift and critical. One user, George Dralagar, stated that it was improper and unacceptable for law enforcement to destroy the campaign materials of a legitimate political candidate.
He expressed that the police’s duty was to maintain law and order, not violate it, and emphasized that the Police Force should remain non-partisan and avoid actions that damage public trust.
Another user, Pharidah, questioned why the police were using the term “allegedly” despite the existence of video evidence.
She criticized the officers for failing to uphold their oath to protect citizens and treat everyone equally, calling their actions shameful.
Keith Besigye expressed doubt that any action would be taken but questioned what personal benefit an officer could derive from destroying a campaign poster.
He wondered whether such an act would be viewed as an accomplishment worth telling one’s children about.
In contrast, Labon Bossa, who identified himself as a “1st Officer”, defended the actions of the police.
He argued that supporters should not have paraded posters in the middle of the road and even suggested that they should have been arrested.
On Thursday, September 25, the Uganda Police Force issued a statement acknowledging the circulation of two videos showing officers allegedly tearing down a candidate’s poster during operations.
The statement confirmed that the incidents had taken place on September 24 in Mbale City and the Central Business District of Kampala.
Police explained that the clashes began after confrontations with NUP supporters in both cities, which led to their dispersal. They admitted that some campaign materials were damaged during the process.
The Force stated that investigations had been launched and assured the public that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken if misconduct was confirmed.
The incident also drew criticism from human rights activists, who said the actions of the officers threatened democratic principles and compromised the fairness of the upcoming 2026 general elections. As the country prepares for the polls, scrutiny of law enforcement’s conduct is expected to intensify.
