Gov't Commends Peaceful Elections, Issues Firm Warning to Actors Behind Post-Poll Unrest

Story by: Namugumya Angella

The Minister for Information and Communications Technology and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has said Uganda remains largely peaceful following the conclusion of the presidential, parliamentary, mayoral and LC5 elections, applauding citizens for maintaining calm and order throughout the voting period and in the days that followed.

Speaking during a post-election situation briefing in Kampala, Dr. Baryomunsi commended Ugandans for turning out to exercise their democratic right and thanked the Independent Electoral Commission for successfully conducting the polls at all levels.

He noted that, despite the tense political environment, the general atmosphere across the country remained stable, allowing voting and tallying to proceed without widespread disruption.

The minister, however, acknowledged that a number of isolated incidents were recorded before, during and after polling.

He attributed these to what the government described as indiscipline by some political actors who allegedly defied electoral guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission.

According to him, whenever such incidents arose, security agencies intervened to restore order and prevent the escalation of violence.

Baryomunsi specifically pointed to sections of the opposition, particularly some leaders and supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), whom the government accused of provoking security forces and mobilising supporters in ways that risked public safety.

He said confrontations occurred in areas where partisan meetings and movements were organised in defiance of electoral and public order regulations.

He revealed that several individuals have since been arrested on allegations of attempting to incite violence and create unrest.

The minister explained that those in custody fall into two main categories: individuals who reacted emotionally after candidates they supported lost the elections, and organised groups that security agencies believe were mobilised in advance to spark disorder.

He added that there is video and intelligence evidence showing some political actors allegedly training supporters on how to overwhelm security forces should results not go in their favour. Those already arrested are being processed through the courts of law, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others still at large.

The government further justified the heightened security deployment by referring to past experiences, including election-related violence in parts of the country such as the Greater Masaka region following the 2021 polls.

Baryomunsi said intelligence agencies this time disrupted what they described as coordinated plans to use social media and other platforms to spread misinformation, disinformation and incitement, aimed at creating fear and anarchy.

It was on this basis, he explained, that the Uganda Communications Commission temporarily restricted internet access during the election period, a move the government says was intended to safeguard national security and public order.

While acknowledging that the decision attracted criticism, the minister maintained that it was taken to prevent the use of digital platforms to mobilise violence and destabilise the country.

Reaffirming government’s position, Baryomunsi stated that Uganda’s sovereignty will not be compromised and that the nation’s future and destiny will always be determined by Ugandans themselves through constitutional and lawful means.

He urged citizens to resume their normal work, remain peaceful and use legal channels to address any grievances arising from the electoral process.

“Violence and riots are not the path to progress,” he said, warning that the state will not allow “criminal gangs hiding behind political activism” or any internal or external forces to plunge the country into chaos.

He emphasized that stability, rule of law and respect for constitutional processes remain the foundation for Uganda’s development and democratic growth.