Katikkiro Mayiga Urges Security Forces to End Brutality Ahead of 2026 Elections

As Uganda braces for the 2026 elections, Charles Peter Mayiga, the Katikkiro of Buganda, has raised his voice against the growing trend of police and military brutality towards political supporters. In a passionate message shared through his social media platforms, Mayiga condemned the excessive use of force during political rallies, highlighting the dangers of such actions to the country’s stability and reputation.

Mayiga’s remarks came in response to the frequent reports of violence directed at supporters of opposition parties, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP). He sharply criticized the use of tear gas, live bullets, and even police dogs to disperse crowds, stating, “Bullets, tear gas, dogs! These make the Pearl of Africa bleed.” His words quickly spread, sparking widespread conversation among Ugandans and political figures alike.

In his statement, Mayiga emphasized the importance of allowing political rallies to take place without the threat of violent disruption. He pointed out that it was unrealistic to expect political processions to be conducted in silence or without movement, likening them to religious gatherings where people can quietly walk to prayer. Political rallies, according to him, naturally involve excitement, chants, and crowd formations, which should not be stifled by harsh interventions.

He further noted the logistical challenges Uganda faces, particularly with the popularity of boda bodas (motorcycle taxis), which often contribute to crowd formation during campaign events. Instead of trying to prevent crowds, he argued that security forces should focus on ensuring that the processions are peaceful and that no harm comes to anyone involved. “Ensure supporters don’t harm others, but let them be,” he asserted.

Mayiga’s comments came in the wake of an alarming incident during a recent rally held by Bobi Wine in Kawempe Division. During the event, police fired tear gas into the crowd, beat several supporters, and made multiple arrests, triggering outrage across the country. The violent crackdown was widely condemned, with many citizens accusing the government of using heavy-handed tactics to suppress opposition movements.

Bobi Wine, the leader of NUP, immediately condemned the actions of the police, calling it yet another instance of the state’s systematic abuse of his peaceful supporters. He emphasized that his rallies were lawful, and that the violence was a clear attempt to intimidate his supporters and stifle their right to participate in the democratic process.

The police, however, provided a different account of the incident. According to police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma, the confrontation began after some NUP supporters allegedly threw stones at officers, leading to injuries among seven security personnel. The police also claimed that several vehicles, including an ambulance, were damaged during the unrest. This conflicting narrative only deepened the public’s mistrust of security forces’ handling of political events.

As tensions mount ahead of the 2026 elections, Mayiga’s call for fair and non-partisan policing has been widely welcomed. Many Ugandans are hopeful that his message will resonate with security agencies, urging them to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and to refrain from using excessive force against opposition groups. The next few months will be critical, as the nation watches closely to see how security forces respond to political activities in the lead-up to the elections. Mayiga’s appeal offers a glimmer of hope that Uganda can navigate this sensitive period with less violence and more respect for democratic freedoms.