Uganda’s Electoral Commission has directed the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the violent clashes that broke out during presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s campaign rally in Gulu on Saturday.

The unrest erupted just days after presidential campaign agents and senior police officials met to iron out grievances and commit to a peaceful, law-abiding campaign season ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, the Commission chairperson, condemned the violence, noting that it undermines long-standing calls for restraint and respect for electoral laws.

“Violence is inconsistent with the Commission’s enduring calls on all stakeholders to act peacefully and in accordance with electoral laws to enable Ugandans have free, fair and credible elections,” he said in a statement.

Byabakama reaffirmed that every duly nominated presidential candidate has the right to campaign freely across the country, provided they adhere to the law and the Commission’s guidelines.

The Commission has now tasked the Uganda Police Force with establishing the circumstances that triggered the confrontation and ensuring that all those responsible are held to account.

It further urged law enforcement to act with restraint, and to apply only lawful, proportionate and humane measures in enforcing compliance during the campaign period.

“If there is any disagreement on any matter on the campaign trail, the Commission appeals for dialogue, not violence and confrontation,” Byabakama added