A section of Religious leaders in the Acholi Sub-region has condemned the violence and intimidation that marred the campaign visit of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu in Gulu City, saying the actions reflect a deeply uneven political environment ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Their concerns follow chaotic scenes on Saturday when groups of youth attacked traders, vandalized property, and assaulted some supporters of Kyagulanyi while security forces allegedly looked on. 

Similar incidents were reported earlier in Anaka Town Council in Nwoya district on Friday, where Kyagulanyi was blocked from addressing supporters by a group of youth donning NRM yellow T-shirts.

Speaking during Sunday Mass at Holy Rosary Parish in Gulu City through the church’s online media platform, Holy Rosary Parish TV, Rev Fr Eric Uma, one of the region’s outspoken clerics, condemned both the violence and the conduct of security agencies.

Fr. Uma said the events in Anaka and Gulu were very “dark moments” for the Acholi Sub-region and a sign of growing “political intolerance”.

Other religious leaders have also raised similar concerns, calling for security agencies to act impartially and ensure that all presidential candidates enjoy equal access to voters.

Rt Rev Godfrey Loum, the Northern Uganda Diocese Bishop, told Favour fm in an interview that what happened is “unacceptable and terrible” and urges the government to provide accountability.

The Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, in a press statement on Sunday evening, condemned the violent confrontation against the presidential candidate in Gulu city.

Justice Byabakama notes that the incident was unfortunate, especially after a few days when the commission met with all the presidential candidates and the police to address the issues.