Political commentator Andrew Mwenda has cautioned supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) against what he says are increasing acts of violence directed at security personnel during ongoing campaign activities.
His remarks followed reports of clashes between security officers and supporters of NUP president and presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, during rallies in Kawempe North and Kawempe South on Monday.
According to police, the Electoral Commission and security teams had earlier met the NUP organising committee to agree on the day’s routes and venues.
However, confrontations are said to have erupted when the candidate’s convoy reached the party headquarters.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mwenda warned that such incidents could attract a strong reaction from the state.
“This is to inform NUP supporters to stop attacking police and UPDF soldiers. This afternoon at Bwaise Wellex hardware, NUP hooligans attacked and injured seven police officers and UPDF,” he wrote.
He further cautioned that continued confrontations may alter the course of the campaign.
“These provocations will lead to very severe consequences for them and their campaign from the state. The government has made every effort to keep the campaign free of violence. Please don’t change the tone of the campaign so far.”
His comments came shortly before police issued an official statement describing several violent incidents involving supporters of the opposition party.
In the statement released on Monday evening, police said officers came under attack at multiple points during the day’s activities.
“Security officers were attacked with stones, an act of violence that was repeated at Bwaise Roundabout and the campaign venue,” police noted.
The police reported that seven officers sustained serious injuries in the clashes, while several security vehicles, “including an ambulance", were damaged.
Police said officers responded using public order management measures to control the crowds.
“Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with these incidents,” the statement added.
Police have since strongly condemned the violence, saying: “We strongly condemn the hooliganism displayed today and stress that such behaviour is unacceptable. It will be met with firm action.”