Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on security agencies to maintain law and order in a non-violent and non-partisan manner during the ongoing campaign period.
Through his official social media handles, Mayiga criticised security forces for allegedly using excessive force against political supporters.
“Bullets; tear gas; dogs! These make the Pearl of Africa bleed,” he said.
He added that banning supporters’ processions is unrealistic.
“Political rallies are not prayer meetings where worshippers go calmly. Political rallies are about excitement. And with Uganda’s public transport system, especially bodabodas, it is unrealistic to expect supporters to move to campaign venues quietly. Ensure supporters don’t harm others, but let them be,” he said.
On Monday, security operatives led by police and military police disrupted Bobi Wine’s campaign rally in Kawempe Division, Kampala. Officers fired tear gas into the crowd, beat several attendees, and made multiple arrests.
Bobi Wine condemned the violence, accusing security forces of making it a ‘hobby’ to brutalise his peaceful supporters during campaigns.
Police, however, accused NUP supporters of attacking officers. In a statement, police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said seven security officers sustained serious injuries from stones thrown by the crowd, and several vehicles, including an ambulance, were damaged by the rowdy supporters.
