Veteran journalist Alex Atuhaire has criticised the latest police directives on campaign conduct, describing the ban on political processions as “very unrealistic” in the face of heightened public enthusiasm during the election season.
His comments followed guidance issued this week by Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, who reiterated that candidates must avoid processions and restrict their activities to designated campaign venues.
Rusoke also called for improved coordination between political actors, the police and the Electoral Commission to ensure orderly campaign operations.
Atuhaire argued that while the Police may be seeking order, the realities of campaign excitement make strict enforcement nearly impossible.
“In theory, you will say avoid processions, but in practice, it’s not possible. We need to accept that supporters will be excited when they meet their candidates. We need to allow the people involved in the campaigns to be,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when the conduct of security agencies during campaigns is attracting intense scrutiny.
On Tuesday, a National Unity Platform (NUP) rally in Kawempe descended into chaos after police officers deployed dogs—described by observers as hound-type animals rather than trained sniffer dogs—toward civilians.
Videos circulated widely showed the dogs lunging at and intimidating supporters of NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known as Bobi Wine.
The incident also featured pepper spray, forceful arrests and confrontations involving police vehicles as officers attempted to disperse crowds.
The scenes reignited debate about the proportionality and legality of crowd-control methods being applied during the campaign period.
Kawempe is one of several districts where NUP events have been disrupted in recent weeks.
The party has reported similar incidents in Mukono and Buikwe, while in Busoga, Bugisu, Lango and Ankole, numerous supporters have been arrested during or shortly after campaign activities.
NUP estimates that more than 300 of its supporters have been detained nationwide.
Atuhaire’s remarks add to a growing chorus of voices urging authorities to balance the need for public order with respect for democratic participation and political freedoms.
Analysts warn that heavy-handed tactics risk heightening tensions at a time when the country is already politically charged.
As campaigns intensify ahead of the January 2026 polls, stakeholders across the political spectrum continue to call for clearer guidelines, more effective coordination and a commitment to lawful, non-confrontational engagement between security forces, political actors and the public.