The Minister for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, has described the ongoing presidential campaigns as “largely peaceful,” urging that all candidates be allowed unrestricted access across the country to conduct their activities.
Speaking on NBS Frontline on Thursday, Baryomunsi referred to recent confrontations between security forces and supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) as “isolated incidents,” cautioning against using them to paint the entire campaign period as violent or chaotic.
“The presidential campaigns have been largely peaceful. Candidates should be enabled to access any part of this country for campaigns. The Mbarara incident is an isolated incident,” Baryomunsi said.
His comments follow the arrest of several NUP supporters and close associates of presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, during his campaign activities in western Uganda. The arrests occurred along the Mbarara–Ibanda Road as Kyagulanyi headed to his second rally in Bwizibwera, Mbarara District.
NUP leaders accused security forces of using excessive force, assaulting supporters, and permitting individuals in NRM-branded T-shirts to attack them.
Baryomunsi reaffirmed that law enforcement agencies retain full authority to uphold the law during elections.
“Simply because we are in an electoral season doesn’t mean the laws have been put in a freezer. The law, police and security have not been suspended because of campaigns,” he said, adding that police can arrest suspects wherever they are found.
Those arrested face a wide range of charges, including obstruction of police officers, robbery, malicious damage to property, and traffic violations such as driving without licences, riding motorcycles without helmets, and operating uninsured vehicles.
Some are also accused of taking part in unauthorized military-style drills during a February 12, 2025 parade at NUP’s Makerere–Kavule headquarters celebrating Bobi Wine’s 43rd birthday.
Among the accused are prominent NUP figures, including Deputy Party Spokesperson and Nakawa East MP aspirant Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, Kampala Central Woman Lord Councillor aspirant Saudah Madaada, School Coordinator Dorren Kaija, and six close aides of Kyagulanyi, including Edward Ssebufu (Eddie Mutwe) and Achileo Kivumbi. All have pleaded not guilty.
NUP leaders condemned the arrests as politically motivated persecution ahead of the 2026 elections, calling for the release of political prisoners and accusing the government of violating constitutional rights to assembly, political participation, and freedom of expression.
They further highlighted that some detainees have spent over five years in prison without trial.
Responding to allegations that communication signals were disrupted during NUP campaigns, Baryomunsi dismissed the claims as unfounded.
“I am the Minister of ICT and I want to say there was no jamming of signal,” he said, urging the public to rely on verified information and cautioning political actors against spreading statements that could incite fear or undermine trust in national institutions.