Uganda’s political environment has once again drawn attention after reports emerged that police officers attached to opposition campaign teams during the 2026 election period have allegedly been arrested and interrogated. According to accounts circulating among political activists, the officers are reportedly being questioned about their actions during campaign activities and their relationship with opposition leaders.
This development has revived memories of a similar situation following the highly contested 2021 Ugandan general election, where several security officers assigned to opposition campaigns were reportedly detained after the vote.
What Happened in 2021?
During the 2021 election campaigns, opposition candidates across the country often moved with police officers assigned as part of official security arrangements. One of the most prominent opposition figures at the time was Bobi Wine, who ran for president against incumbent Yoweri Museveni.
According to reports from campaign members, the police officers assigned to protect the opposition team faced significant challenges during the campaign period. They were often caught between their duty to provide security and confrontations with other security units such as military forces and specialized police divisions.
Some officers were reportedly attacked during chaotic campaign events, while others faced accusations of “failing to cooperate” with other security agencies.
After the election concluded, several of these officers were allegedly arrested. Among those mentioned was Afande Kato, who reportedly headed the team assigned to protect the opposition campaign.
Allegations of Interrogation
Sources close to the opposition claimed that the detained officers were interrogated extensively. The questioning reportedly focused on several issues, including:
The sources of funding for the opposition campaign
The meetings held by campaign leaders during the election period
The strategies and plans discussed within the campaign team
Why the officers allegedly protected opposition leaders from violent confrontations involving other security units
These allegations raised concerns among civil society organizations and political observers who argued that security officers should not be punished for carrying out their professional responsibilities.
Similar Reports Emerging in 2026
Now in 2026, new claims suggest that officers attached to opposition campaign teams during the current election cycle have also been arrested and questioned.
Although official details remain limited, activists say the officers are again being interrogated over their conduct during campaign operations. Critics argue that the arrests appear to target officers who tried to perform their duties with neutrality and professionalism.
Supporters of the detained officers say they were simply fulfilling their roles—ensuring the safety of candidates, campaign staff, and the public during politically tense events.
Calls for Solidarity
Following the reports, activists and opposition supporters have called for solidarity with the detained officers. Online messages using the hashtag #FreeUgandaNow have circulated widely, urging the public to support the officers and advocate for their release.
Advocates say that protecting officers who follow professional standards is important for the future of democratic processes in Uganda.
The Bigger Question: Professionalism vs Political Pressure
The issue highlights a broader challenge within many election environments: the balance between professional security duties and political pressure.
Police officers assigned to political candidates are expected to remain neutral and protect the individuals they are tasked with guarding. However, in highly polarized elections, that neutrality can sometimes put them in difficult positions.
Observers say the situation underscores the need for stronger protections for security personnel so they can carry out their work without fear of retaliation.
Conclusion
As Uganda moves further into another election cycle, the reported arrests of police officers linked to opposition campaigns have sparked debate about security professionalism, political freedoms, and the treatment of officers performing their duties.
While the full details surrounding the current arrests remain unclear, the situation echoes past controversies from the 2021 Ugandan general election and raises renewed questions about how security institutions operate during elections.
For many observers, the key concern remains ensuring that both citizens and security officers can participate in democratic processes without intimidation or punishment for doing their jobs.
