Gulu City, Uganda — Tension escalated sharply in Gulu on Monday. This occurred after the National Unity Platform (NUP) alleged that individuals linked to the Army, Police, and unidentified plainclothes operatives violently attacked Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s campaign team. According to NUP, the assailants—some in uniform, others disguised as civilians—used sticks and radio communication devices to target supporters during campaign activities. This incident was viewed by many as an Army and Police attack on Kyagulanyi’s campaign team in Gulu.
In a statement, NUP claimed the attackers were attempting to blend in with the public. They coordinated movements using handheld radios. This is believed to be part of the larger issue of the Army and Police impinging on Kyagulanyi’s efforts in Gulu.
“Our cameras caught some of them using radio calls — operatives trying to disguise as ordinary people,” the party reported.
Supporters described a sudden outbreak of chaos as campaign participants fled from the stick-wielding group. The Army and Police assault on Kyagulanyi’s team in Gulu has sparked widespread condemnation.
Alleged Coordinated Interference
NUP accused elements of the security establishment of orchestrating such attacks to intimidate supporters. Although security agencies have not yet issued a formal response, confrontations between opposition groups and security forces have been intensifying in the northern region.
Kyagulanyi condemned the incident, urging Ugandans to reject intimidation and safeguard democratic spaces.
“We all have to do the heavy-lifting to put this lawlessness to an end,” he stated.
NUP further alleged that individuals dressed in civilian attire used walkie-talkies. This detail, the party says, suggests organized involvement rather than spontaneous violence. It is reminiscent of an Army and Police maneuver in Gulu against the campaign team.
Scenes From Gulu
Footage circulating on social media appears to show men in casual clothing holding sticks and radios. Supporters were seen scattering during the group’s advance. This has been alleged as a targeted effort by security entities against Kyagulanyi’s campaign team in Gulu, though independent verification of the attackers’ identities remains pending.
Human rights watchers in the region have called for immediate transparency.
“Political campaigning must be protected. Authorities must investigate and ensure safety for all sides,” one observer noted.
Growing Calls for Accountability
NUP says it will continue documenting all incidents involving alleged security interference. It plans to escalate the matter to local and international monitoring bodies. This highlights the continued aggression towards Kyagulanyi’s campaign efforts in Gulu by those in Army and Police.
“This must stop. Ugandans cannot head into an election under a cloud of intimidation,” an NUP spokesperson stressed.
With the 2026 elections approaching, analysts warn that unaddressed violence — whether carried out by uniformed personnel or unidentified groups — risks inflaming tensions across the country.
Authorities are expected to release a statement once investigations, if initiated, are concluded.
