Minister of ICT and National Guidance Dr Chris Baryomansi has accused leaders of the National Unity Platform (NUP) of plotting violence, mobilising criminal gangs and provoking security agencies during Uganda’s just-ended general elections. Addressing journalists at a press briefing on Tuesday, Dr Baryomansi thanked the media for what he described as largely professional coverage of […]
Minister of ICT and National Guidance Dr Chris Baryomansi has accused leaders of the National Unity Platform (NUP) of plotting violence, mobilising criminal gangs and provoking security agencies during Uganda’s just-ended general elections.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing on Tuesday, Dr Baryomansi thanked the media for what he described as largely professional coverage of the elections, even as he acknowledged “some unprofessional conduct in some quarters.”
Uganda is concluding a long election cycle that saw the election of the President, Members of Parliament, Mayors and LC5 chairpersons, with Dr Baryomansi saying the country had remained largely peaceful despite isolated incidents of violence.
However, the minister said trouble began as polling dates approached, accusing some political actors, particularly NUP leaders, of deliberately refusing to follow Electoral Commission guidelines and repeatedly clashing with police.
“There was always an altercation with police and other security agencies whenever such insolence happened,” Baryomansi said.
The minister defended the recent wave of arrests, saying security agencies were dealing with two categories of suspects.
The first category, he said, consisted of individuals who reacted violently after their preferred candidates lost elections.
The second category, which he described as more dangerous, involved criminal gangs allegedly mobilised by political leaders to turn the election period into a launch pad for civil unrest.
Baryomansi revealed the phrase “mubayisemu egaali”, which he said was a coded call to violence against people of different political beliefs.
He claimed video evidence exists of leaders in Mukono Municipality teaching supporters how to overwhelm security forces if election results did not favour them.
The minister said the government deployed heavy security across the country and temporarily switched off the internet , after intelligence agencies uncovered plans to incite violence, spread misinformation and create fear using social media.
He warned that Uganda would not follow the path of countries like Sudan, Jamaica and Madagascar, which he claimed collapsed after criminal gangs hid behind political activism to overwhelm state security.
“This will not happen here in Uganda.We are firm and resolute to protect Ugandans and their properties.”
Baryomansi described as unfortunate the deaths of people in Butambala on January 15, 2026, blaming political actors for misleading supporters into violent actions.
He said justice would be pursued through courts.
The minister further called on Ugandans to resume work and normal life, saying elections were largely over except for a few lower local government positions.
Those dissatisfied with results, he said, should seek redress in courts, not on the streets.
“Ugandans do not need violence and riots. They desire to work, survive and make progress,” he said.
