Government defends arrests and internet shutdown during elections

27 January 2026, 2:39 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Minister of Information, Communication and National Guidance, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, has briefed the country on the recently concluded elections, explaining why some individuals were arrested during the electoral period.

Speaking to the media at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, the minister said the government arrested certain individuals because they were allegedly planning to cause chaos in the country, a situation the government could not allow. He added that this was one of the reasons the internet was temporarily suspended.

The remarks come amid reports that many people were detained during and after the elections, with claims that the majority of those arrested were supporters of opposition leaders.

“I want to congratulate all Ugandans who participated peacefully in the concluded elections. I also congratulate the Independent Electoral Commission for organising the elections,” Baryomunsi said. He added that the government condemns all violent actions that occurred during the electoral period.

The minister urged Ugandans to return to their workplaces and resume normal activities. “Let us continue enjoying the peace that the government has put in place,” he said.

He further appealed to the public to actively participate in the remaining phases of the election season, noting that local leaders interact closely with citizens on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, former Kampala mayoral aspirant Mayambala Yosam has urged the newly elected Lord Mayor to be flexible and work with all people, regardless of political affiliation.

“I congratulate Balimwezo Nsubuga on his victory as Lord Mayor of Kampala. My appeal to him is to engage with all people from all political parties, including those who do not belong to any party. That approach will be a plus for the city,” Mayambala said. He cautioned the Lord Mayor against being defiant or engaging in confrontations with the National Resistance Movement, urging him instead to focus on serving the people of Kampala.

On the ongoing Local Council elections, Mayambala emphasised the importance of public participation, noting the low voter turnout at some polling stations.

“These are leaders we engage with on a daily basis. I thank those who have come out to vote and encourage others to participate in the remaining phase,” he said.

Similarly, the aspiring Local Council III councillor for Katwe Parish, Shaban Mwezi, expressed gratitude to the Electoral Commission for adopting the use of Biometric Voter Verification Kit (BVVK) machines.

“I want to thank the Electoral Commission for using BVVK machines, as they prevented people who were not supposed to vote from doing so,” Mwezi said. He also urged the newly elected Lord Mayor to work closely with the electorate, noting that it was the people who entrusted him with the mandate.