The police have issued a stern warning to individuals engaging in violent behavior during the ongoing presidential campaigns, cautioning that acts of provocation and aggression against security personnel will no longer be tolerated. While the campaign trail has largely remained peaceful, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke noted that some people have developed “a troubling habit of provoking the police with increasing levels of aggression that have now become intolerable.”

“These negative elements have escalated their actions to damaging vehicles, assaulting officers, and causing chaotic scenes. We have begun holding specific individuals accountable,” Kituuma stated on Wednesday. He clarified that the police are not condemning all campaign participants, highlighting that many conduct themselves peacefully and respectfully.

“We shall go for conflict entrepreneurs who have chosen to confront police officers at leisure and turned aggression, belligerence and violence into a habit,” he added.

Kituuma also reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ensuring security for all presidential candidates, while cautioning against criminal conduct and violations of agreed campaign guidelines. “Candidates are warned against deviating from agreed campaign venues and taking rallies to roadsides or trading centres. This will not be acceptable,” he said. The police called on all political actors to uphold civility, respect the law, and maintain peace throughout the campaign period.