Buganda Premier Mayiga Condemns Police Brutality Against Opposition Supporters
KAMPALA, Uganda – Charles Peter Mayiga, Prime minister of the Buganda kingdom, has publicly condemned recent instances of police brutality directed towards supporters of the national Unity Platform (NUP) during ongoing election campaigns.In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account Thursday, Mayiga urged Ugandan security forces to maintain impartiality while enforcing law and order.
The Premier specifically called for a reconsideration of the police ban on campaign processions, arguing they are a natural component of political rallies. “Its unrealistic to ban processions of supporters. political rallies are not prayer meetings…they are about excitement,” Mayiga stated. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Uganda’s transportation system, particularly boda boda motorcycles, but emphasized that security efforts shoudl focus on preventing harm to others, rather than suppressing enthusiastic displays of support. “Ensure supporters don’t harm others, but let them be,” he added.
Mayiga also expressed concern over the impact of aggressive policing tactics on Uganda’s international image,stating,”Bullets; tear gas; dogs! These make the Pearl of Africa bleed!”
The condemnation from the Buganda Premier follows growing criticism of police actions,including a strong statement from the Uganda Law Society (ULS). ULS Vice President Asiimwe anthony specifically denounced the deployment of police dogs, the use of tear gas, violent dispersals, and forceful arrests of NUP supporters in Kawempe on Monday.
Asiimwe drew historical parallels, noting the oppressive use of police dogs during apartheid in South Africa and the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, arguing their deployment today represents a continuation of authoritarian control tactics. “ULS therefore calls for an immediate and unconditional halt to the use of police dogs in any political rally or campaign,” he stated, also demanding the release of those arbitrarily arrested in Kawempe and adherence to constitutional policing standards.
The situation remains fluid as the election campaign progresses. Individuals with data or opinions on this matter are encouraged to contact watchdog Uganda at editorial@watchdoguganda.com.
