Reign of Terror? Police launch crackdown on Political Gangs ahead of 2026 Elections

JINJA, Uganda – With the country gearing up for the 2026 national elections, the Uganda Police Force has launched a massive operation to crack down on political gangs that have been terrorizing citizens across the country.

The recent fracas that occurred during the Enkuuka New Year’s festival in Kampala, where two Ugandan artists, Elien Skin and Pallaso, allegedly used youth gangs to orchestrate a fight, is just one example of the ongoing terror.

According to Superintendent of Police (SP) James Mubi, police spokesperson for Kiira regional police command, the police are now on high alert to crack down on these gangs. “We are organizing a security meeting with all politicians to sensitize them on the personal liability they hold for commanding these youth gangs,” SP Mubi revealed during an interview on the Baba Radio morning show in Jinja city.

The police believe that many politicians are behind the organization of these youth gangs, which are used to terrorize voters during political campaign seasons. These gangs are allegedly managed and funded by politicians and are believed to be surviving on stealing from the public.

SP Mubi noted that the police have received several reports of politicians recruiting and arming youth gangs to intimidate and harass their opponents. “This is unacceptable and we will not tolerate it. We will work tirelessly to ensure that all citizens are able to exercise their right to vote without fear of intimidation or violence,” he said.

The operation is part of the police’s efforts to maintain law and order in the country, particularly during the upcoming 2026 national elections. The police have urged citizens to cooperate with them in identifying and reporting any suspicious activities.

The police have also warned politicians against using violence and intimidation to win votes. “We will hold all politicians accountable for their actions and ensure that they are brought to justice if they are found to be involved in any form of violence or intimidation,” SP Mubi warned.

The 2026 national elections are expected to be highly contested, with several candidates vying for the presidency, parliamentary seats, and local council positions. The police have assured citizens that they will do everything in their power to ensure that the elections are free and fair.