KAMPALA, UGANDA: 27 November 2025– Charles Peter Mayiga, the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of the Buganda Kingdom, has issued a resounding criticism against Uganda’s police, and security agencies, urging them to exude professionalism, and maintain law and order during the current campaign period through non-violent and strictly non-partisan means.
The Katikkiro’s statement, released today, directly addresses the methods used by security forces to manage political campaigns and supporters, particularly taking issue with the attempt to ban or restrict supporter processions.
Rallies are About Excitement, Not Calmness
Katikkiro Mayiga argued that the nature of political rallies inherently involves excitement and movement, drawing a clear distinction between political gatherings and religious services. Mayiga’s message follows recent gloomy incidents as security agencies intensified a crackdown on opposition supporters unleashing teargas, K9 dogs and pepper spray, during presidential campaign rallies for National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Robert Kyagulanyi in Kawempe Division and Mukono District.
It also follows a statement by the Electoral Commission (EC) chairman, justice Simon Byabakama, re-emphasized strict adherence to the campaign guidelines which banned processions on roads, and candidates’ stopovers in towns and trading centers, limiting supporters from freely expressing support for their preferred candidates.
”Political rallies are not prayer meetings to which worshippers go calmly. Political rallies are about excitement,” the Katikkiro stated.
Mayiga noted that given the prevalent use of motorbikes (bodaboda) for public transport in Uganda, it is “unrealistic to expect supporters to move to campaign venues quietly.”
A Plea Against Excessive Force
The Buganda Premier called on security forces to focus on preventing harm to the public while allowing supporters to express their enthusiasm freely. His most passionate remarks were directed at the use of aggressive crowd control measures.
The Katikkiro condemned the deployment of bullets, tear gas, and dogs against political supporters, stating that such actions cause immense pain to the nation.
“Bullets; tear gas; dogs! These make the Pearl of Africa bleed!” he warned, referencing the long-standing moniker for Uganda.
Mr. Mayiga concluded his statement with a clear appeal to the security agencies: “Ensure supporters don’t harm others, but let them be.” His message is a renewed call for restraint, impartiality, and respect for the vibrant, yet often tense, political environment in the country as campaigns continue.
