KAMPALA – Uganda Police confirmed that 79 people were arrested during the two-day presidential nomination exercise held on September 23–24, 2025 at the Electoral Commission offices in Lubowa, Kajjansi Town Council.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango, the event largely proceeded peacefully, with security successfully maintaining order despite minor incidents.
Day 1: Museveni Rally Disruptions
On September 23, police arrested 44 suspects at President Yoweri Museveni’s rally in Kololo for phone snatching and pickpocketing. Those detained were taken to Jinja Road Police Station pending prosecution.
“Despite these incidents, the nomination exercise concluded without any serious incidents reported,” Onyango stated.
Day 2: Kajjansi Arrests
The second day of nominations saw 35 arrests in Kajjansi, including Hon. Allan Ssewanyana, MP for Makindye West, for disobeying security guidelines. Onyango confirmed that Ssewanyana and his group were later released on Police bond.
Several supporters of NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu were also arrested for reckless riding and assaulting civilians, with police impounding two motor vehicles and 40 motorcycles.
Nominations Conclude Successfully
Despite the arrests, the Electoral Commission successfully confirmed eight candidates for the 2026 presidential elections, keeping the process on track amid high tensions.
The arrests highlight ongoing security challenges during political events in Uganda, underscoring the need for vigilance as the nation moves toward a hotly contested election season.
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