Tensions flared in Wakiso District on Friday as police clashed with supporters of the People’s Front for Transition (PFF) during the ongoing local government candidate registration exercise. The incident at the Wakiso District Electoral Commission offices has raised fresh concerns over the conduct of law enforcement and the treatment of opposition groups in the run-up to Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
The confrontation erupted as a group of PFF supporters—escorting their candidates to register—faced off with police, who accused them of violating electoral regulations. According to police spokesperson Esther Kizza, the group displayed unauthorized campaign materials, used loudspeakers without clearance, and caused public disruption near the registration venue.
“These actions constitute a clear breach of the established regulations governing the candidate registration process,” Kizza said at a press briefing later in the day.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as police attempted to confiscate banners, flags, and megaphones, leading to scuffles with supporters. The situation escalated into pushing and shoving, with several alleging that officers used excessive force in dispersing the crowd.
“We were simply accompanying our candidates to register; we weren’t disrupting anything,” said one supporter, who requested anonymity. “The police response was completely disproportionate.”
The standoff intensified when a PFF supporter allegedly exchanged harsh words with police, resulting in a physical confrontation and seizure of more campaign materials. While no injuries were confirmed, the incident cast a shadow over what was intended to be a peaceful civic exercise.
Kira Municipality Mayor, Julius Mutebi Nsubuga, condemned the police for what he described as “political bias.”
“This is a clear attempt to stifle opposition and unfairly target candidates from certain parties,” Nsubuga said. “The police consistently favor the ruling party during election periods.”
Other PFF candidates echoed the sentiment, claiming that similar police harassment marred their previous campaign activities.
Despite the disruption, the Electoral Commission (EC) confirmed that over 250 candidates successfully registered for various local government positions in Wakiso. District EC head Talbert Musinguzi expressed concern over the clashes but said the process would continue without extension of deadlines.
“The registration deadline will not be extended. All aspiring candidates must ensure timely submission of their papers,” Musinguzi said.
Earlier in the day, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Member of Parliament for Kira Municipality and PFF Secretary-General, addressed candidates and supporters at the party’s headquarters before they proceeded to the EC offices. He urged them to maintain discipline and peace throughout the process.
“We believe in inclusive politics. There should be no intimidation of people who have chosen to change political affiliation,” Ssemujju said.
In response to the Wakiso incident, he condemned what he called politically motivated harassment by security forces and rival political actors.
“Uganda must move beyond politics of intimidation. We call upon law enforcement to act professionally and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation,” he added.
The clash has prompted civil society groups and election observers to call for restraint from both political actors and security agencies. As the election season heats up, observers warn that unresolved political tensions and perceived bias in law enforcement could derail Uganda’s democratic process.
“Incidents like this undermine public confidence in the electoral process,” said one representative from a local election monitoring group. “Authorities must ensure equal treatment for all political players.”
As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 polls, the incident in Wakiso serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between law enforcement and political freedoms.
With more candidate nominations and campaign events ahead, all eyes will be on how the state navigates growing political tensions.
