Police roll out 162 vehicles, 1040 motorcycles amid rising campaign violence

As Uganda moves deeper into the 2026 campaign season—already strained by rising tensions and violent confrontations—the Uganda Police Force have boosted its mobility and response capacity with a large fleet of newly acquired vehicles and motorcycles.

On Friday afternoon, AIGP James Apora, the Director of Logistics and Engineering, presided over the handover of 162 vehicles and 1,040 motorcycles to regional commanders and sub-county policing units across the country. The handover, conducted at Police Headquarters, marks one of the largest fleet deployments ahead of a general election.

According to AIGP Apora, the new fleet is intended to strengthen security presence at the grassroots, especially at the sub-county level, where each sub-county will receive two motorcycles. He explained that the rollout is part of the Force’s ongoing effort to enhance operational readiness, plug security gaps, and guarantee faster responses to crime during the heightened electoral period.

“This deployment is meant to enhance the capacity of our officers, improve service delivery, and ensure quicker response to incidents as we go through the election season,” he said.

“We urge local leaders to ensure these assets are used responsibly and fully accounted for.”

AIGP Apora also extended gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, the Minister of Internal Affairs, and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for their continued support in strengthening the Force’s mobility and logistical capacity.

The handover comes at a time when the Police Force is under intense scrutiny following a surge in violent clashes, especially targeting supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Just a day earlier, police issued a statement condemning what it described as “violent and unruly conduct” during campaign activities by NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) in Iganga District. According to the force, officers deployed for crowd control reportedly came under deliberate attack from stone-throwing groups allegedly incited by the candidate. Several officers sustained serious injuries, and multiple police vehicles were damaged.

Police say they were forced to disperse the crowds after the situation escalated, resulting in the death of a civilian, identified as Misaki (Meshach) Okello. Several suspects said to be involved in the disruption were later arrested.

“The Uganda Police Force strongly condemns the hooliganism witnessed in Iganga,” the statement read.

“Confrontations with armed officers pose grave risks and will be met with decisive action.”

But NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi delivered a sharply opposing version of events. In a statement, he accused police and the military of launching an unprovoked attack on his supporters as they left what he called a “very successful rally.”

“These criminals fired live bullets at peaceful people,” Kyagulanyi claimed.

“At least one comrade was killed, several others injured, and two more bodies were smuggled away from the scene.”

He identified the deceased as Okello, alleging he was “shot through the head.” Among the critically injured, he listed Nuwamanya Samuel (24), Naminya Banuli (44), and Faima Namusobya (24), who were at the time receiving emergency treatment.

Kyagulanyi blamed the violence on what he termed a “criminal regime,” insisting that government must be held accountable for “crimes against humanity.”

The conflicting narratives—one from security forces insisting they were attacked, and another from the opposition claiming state brutality—have deepened public anxiety as the 2026 elections draw near.

While the police argue that the new vehicles and motorcycles will help stabilize security operations and enhance community protection, critics worry that heightened mobility could also mean intensified crackdowns on opposition supporters.

As investigations into the Iganga incident continue, political tensions remain high, and all eyes now turn to how security agencies will balance law enforcement with restraint in the weeks ahead.

The deployment of the new fleet may strengthen policing—but whether it will calm or inflame an already volatile campaign season remains to be seen.