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 just-concluded elections, explaining why some individuals were arrested during the electoral period.

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

This comes amid reports that many people were arrested during and after the elections, with claims that the majority of those detained are supporters of opposition leaders.

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

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

He further appealed to the general public to actively participate in the remaining phase of the election season, noting that these 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 upon his victory as Lord Mayor of Kampala. My appeal to him is to engage 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 emphasized 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, thanked the Electoral Commission for adopting the use of the Biometric Voter Verification Kit (BVVK) machines.

“I want to thank the Electoral Commission for using BVVK machines because they stopped people who were not supposed to vote,” 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.