The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has warned political actors and their supporters against provoking security forces during the post-election period, saying such actions threaten public order and national stability.
In a statement addressing post-election unrest, Baryomunsi said while the general elections were largely peaceful, there were deliberate attempts by some political actors to incite confrontations with police and security agencies.
“While the elections were largely peaceful, we have witnessed attempts to undermine the process, particularly from political figures within the National Unity Platform (NUP),” Baryomunsi said. “Such actions refusing to follow Electoral Commission guidelines and inciting confrontations with security forces put the entire electoral process at risk.”
He said security agencies had made arrests linked to post-election violence, identifying two categories of suspects: individuals who reacted violently after their preferred candidates lost, and organized criminal groups allegedly mobilised by political leaders to cause unrest.
Baryomunsi cited video footage from Mukono Municipality showing opposition leaders rallying supporters and urging them to confront security forces if election outcomes did not favour them.
“These gangs, disguised as political activists, were mobilised to disrupt peace,” he said, adding that several suspects had already been arrested and that others would be apprehended in accordance with the law.
Baryomunsi defended the government’s decision to deploy additional security personnel and temporarily shut down the internet, saying the measures were necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation and incitement.
“We cannot allow criminal gangs to destabilise Uganda under the guise of political activism. Our priority is the safety and security of Ugandans,” he said.
The Minister also condemned the killings that occurred in Butambala on January 15, 2026, and said those responsible would be held accountable through ongoing court proceedings.
He cautioned that police restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Political contests do not give licence to disorder. Provoking the police for negative publicity is a deliberate attempt to incite chaos,” Baryomunsi said.
He further warned of alleged attempts by some political actors to collaborate with foreign agents to destabilise the country, insisting that Uganda’s sovereignty would not be compromised.
“Uganda’s future will be shaped by Ugandans through constitutional and democratic processes,” he said.
Baryomunsi concluded by urging Ugandans to reject violence and return to their normal activities, encouraging those dissatisfied with election outcomes to seek redress through the courts.
He said the government remained committed to maintaining peace, stability and an environment conducive for economic growth.