By Naome Namusoke/ KMA UPDATES
The government of Uganda has warned that it will not allow any internal or external actors to destabilise The Country following the recently concluded presidential and parliamentary elections, saying security agencies acted decisively to prevent violence and safeguard public order.
Speaking during a post-election situation briefing on Tuesday, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, said the polls were largely peaceful and commended Ugandans for maintaining calm before, during, and after the voting process.
“We thank all Ugandans who participated in the electoral exercise and the Independent Electoral Commission for successfully conducting the elections,” Dr. Baryomunsi said, describing the overall process as orderly despite isolated challenges.
The government, however, acknowledged that a number of incidents were recorded at different stages of the electoral period. According to Dr. Baryomunsi, these incidents were largely attributed to what authorities described as indiscipline by some political actors who allegedly defied electoral guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission.
The briefing singled out members of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), accusing some of its leaders and supporters of provoking security forces and mobilising crowds in ways that risked public safety. Government officials said that in such instances, confrontations occurred between civilians and security agencies, although voting itself proceeded without major disruption across the country.
Security agencies have since arrested several individuals accused of attempting to incite violence. The government said those detained fall into two categories: individuals who reacted spontaneously after candidates they supported lost the elections, and organised groups allegedly mobilised with the intention of creating unrest.
Dr. Baryomunsi said the state’s security posture was informed by past experiences of election-related violence, including killings that occurred in the Greater Masaka sub-region following the 2021 elections. He added that intelligence agencies disrupted what they described as coordinated plans to use social media platforms to spread misinformation, disinformation, and messages aimed at inciting violence.
It was on this basis, the government said, that the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) temporarily restricted internet access during the election period, a move authorities described as necessary to prevent the escalation of unrest.
“There was a detailed plan to create fear and anarchy across the country,” Dr. Baryomunsi said, noting that similar post-election instability has been witnessed in other countries. The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and stability, warning that what it termed “criminal gangs hiding behind political activism” would not be allowed to plunge the country into chaos.
“We are resolved not to allow any force, internal or external, to destabilise Uganda,” the minister said, stressing that security agencies will remain vigilant in the post-election period to protect lives, property, and constitutional order.
