The Executive Director of the Human Rights Network for Journalists–Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) Robert Ssempala has issued strong criticism of recent security operations at opposition political events, saying the actions of state agencies directly contradict the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s campaign message of “protecting the gains.”
Speaking during NBS Morning Breeze on Friday, Ssempala said the conduct of security forces at political gatherings reflects a widening gap between government rhetoric and on-ground practices. He argued that the NRM’s slogan is being undermined by excessive force used against civilians at opposition rallies.
“If we speak of gains in peace, democracy, and stability, then the actions of state agencies must reflect that commitment. Protecting the gains is getting disrupted by the same people who are supposed to be protecting the gains. There is no justification that can be given to anyone that the security forces are acting in the right manner,” he said.
Ssempala added that law enforcement must act precisely and proportionately, rather than deploying broad, sweeping measures that affect peaceful participants.
“If there was one or two people who committed a crime, pick them up instead of teargassing everyone,”he said.
Ssempala’s comments come in the wake of widespread concern over policing at the National Unity Platform (NUP) rally held in Kawempe on Tuesday. Videos and eyewitness accounts show officers deploying large hound-type police dogs in ways that appeared to threaten rather than control the crowd.
The animals were seen lunging toward supporters of NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu popularly known as Bobi Wine, raising questions about the suitability of using such dogs in crowded public settings.
In addition to dog deployment, police reportedly used pepper spray, made forceful arrests, and engaged in tense confrontations involving police vehicles as they attempted to disperse attendees.
Human rights groups and political observers have since questioned whether these methods were necessary or proportional.
The Kawempe incident adds to a growing list of disruptions at NUP campaign events. Similar clashes have been reported in; Mukono, Buikwe, Busoga, Bugisu, Lango and Ankole.
Across these areas, NUP officials allege an escalation in arrests and intimidation, with the party reporting that more than 300 supporters have been detained nationwide in recent weeks.
Ssempala urged the government and security commanders to ensure that political activities, regardless of party affiliation, are conducted in an environment free of intimidation and disproportionate force. He emphasised that the state bears the responsibility to uphold constitutional rights—not stifle them.