Uganda’s political season has once again demonstrated the unmatched influence and endurance of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. From district to district, over 90 in total, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate has continued to draw massive crowds.
The scenes at his rallies, and even along the roadsides, reflect a leader who remains trusted, experienced, and deeply loved by millions of Ugandans.
President Museveni’s message has remained consistent and grounded in the core values of the NRM: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, democracy, and socio-economic transformation. These principles have guided Uganda’s progress in education, job creation, health, infrastructure, security, justice, information technology, and regional integration through the East African Community.
At the heart of all these gains lies democracy, a principle that transcends tribe, religion, and political affiliation. Uganda deliberately transitioned from a single-party state to a multiparty dispensation so that every citizen could enjoy their full democratic rights.
It is precisely because of this commitment to democracy that the brutality recently witnessed in Gulu cannot be ignored.
Security Brutality in Gulu Was a Shameful Setback
As peace-loving Ugandan’s and proud members of the NRM, we strongly condemn the violence unleashed on citizens during the campaign trail of NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi.
The images and videos circulating, showing men and women being flogged like criminals, were disturbing, unnecessary, and completely unacceptable.
This wasn’t just an attack on individuals.
It was an attack on Uganda’s democratic values, the very principles that the NRM government has worked tirelessly to build.
Even if there were concerns about the route taken by Candidate Kyagulanyi’s convoy, there was absolutely no justification for beating innocent, unarmed people who were merely walking peacefully on the streets. Such behaviour drags our country backwards and stains our image locally and internationally.
Commanders Must Answer for What Happened
Whoever commanded that operation in Gulu must be held to account.
We are not in a war.
We are in a democratic contest where every candidate, NRM or opposition, must be allowed to mobilise peacefully.
For years, we have proudly spoken about building a professional army and police. We have celebrated our achievements in peace and security. Yet what happened in Gulu does not reflect professionalism, it reflects impunity.
This brutality embarrassed us as leaders in the NRM. It undermined our efforts to promote a peaceful, free, and fair election. It also threatened the very gains we always defend under #ProtectingTheGains.
Why Was Candidate Kyagulanyi Not Given Security to His Venue?
Instead of blocking him, why wasn’t security provided to escort him safely to his rally venue, just as is done with President Museveni and other candidates?
We demand answers from the police and army leadership. Ugandan’s deserve clarity.
Men and women in uniform serve the entire nation, not a political party, not a tribe, not a religion. Their mandate is to protect Ugandan’s, not to brutalise them.
Let All Candidates Mobilise Freely
As NRM supporters, we believe in our candidate. We believe in his record. We believe the achievements and promises speak loudly enough to win the confidence of Ugandan’s.
President Museveni will win, and win massively, not because opponents are blocked, but because people can clearly see the hope and stability he offers.
But for that to happen, we must allow every candidate to mobilise freely. That is how we deepen democracy, reduce voter apathy, and strengthen our political maturity as a country.
Uganda has come too far to allow a few reckless officers to damage our image and erode the democratic progress we have made over the years.
For God and My Country.
By Akampa Rugaba Tanbull
NRM Chairman, Kebisoni Town Council
ONC Coordinator – Kigezi Region
