The Uganda Police Force has expressed regret over the weekend clash in Gulu between National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters and security forces during presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s campaign rally.

Addressing journalists at Naguru Police Headquarters, Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke described the incident as “regrettable, undesirable, and unfortunate” and announced that a general inquiry has been launched.

He warns that any officer found to have acted inappropriately will face consequences and emphasizes that no personnel will be shielded by law.

Over the weekend, security forces—including police and the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF)—blocked access to Awere Grounds, preventing Kyagulanyi from holding a scheduled rally.

Supporters along Gulu Airfield Road were reportedly beaten, including Kyagulanyi’s aide, Dan Magic, who sustained head injuries.

Videos from the incident showed individuals in plainclothes and soldiers striking NUP supporters, with some police officers, including those assigned to protect Kyagulanyi, also affected.

Journalists questioned the police’s ability to manage political tensions, particularly where soldiers and plainclothes personnel appeared to take control.

Kituuma confirms that top commanders are meeting to review standard operating procedures and improve coordination.

The Gulu clash is not an isolated event. Since the start of presidential campaigns in September, multiple violent incidents have been reported, including the arrest of more than 100 NUP supporters in Mbarara on November 7.

Kyagulanyi has repeatedly accused security forces of attempting to suppress his campaign.

Electoral Commission Chairperson Simon Byabakama condemned the Gulu violence as “unfortunate and uncalled for” and urged law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint while conducting a thorough investigation.