Says targeting opposition campaign rally with teargas goes beyond policing duties
The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has cautioned the Uganda Police Force against what it described as the misuse of state authority in dealing with political opposition, following reports that teargas was deployed at an opposition campaign rally.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, PeacePro said the use of teargas to disrupt a political gathering raises serious concerns about democratic space, civil liberties, and the neutrality of security institutions in Uganda.
According to Hamzat, policing in a democratic society is meant to ensure public safety, protect lives and property, and facilitate lawful civic activities, not to suppress political expression.
“Targeting an opposition campaign rally with teargas is far beyond the legitimate job description of the police in a democratic setting,” PeacePro said. “Such actions blur the line between law enforcement and political partisanship, and risk eroding public trust in state institutions.”
PeacePro warned that excessive or selective use of force against opposition actors could heighten political tension, provoke unrest, and undermine peace, especially in a politically sensitive period.
Hamzat urged the Ugandan authorities to recommit to international human rights standards, particularly the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and political participation.
“Security agencies must remain professional, impartial, and accountable. The duty of the police is to manage crowds and prevent violence, not to determine which political voices are allowed to be heard,” the statement added.
PeacePro reaffirmed its commitment to peacebuilding, democratic governance, and the protection of civic space across Africa.
