As presidential campaigns officially began on Monday, the Uganda Police Force (UPF) has issued a stern warning to all presidential campaign teams against the unauthorized use of security escort vehicles designated for candidate protection. The campaigns, involving eight presidential hopefuls, are set to span across more than 100 districts from September 29 to January 12.

The Electoral Commission has allocated specific venues to each candidate to reduce the risk of confrontation between rival supporters. Launching his campaign in Munyonyo–Entebbe, President Yoweri Museveni unveiled his manifesto, while his key opponent, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (also known as Bobi Wine), began his campaign trail in Jinja District. Other presidential contenders held rallies in areas such as Buikwe, Mityana, and Kawempe.

While addressing journalists in Kampala, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kituuma Rusoke cautioned campaign teams to comply with laws governing traffic, public order, and road safety. He stressed the importance of coordinating with security teams for both procession management and venue preparation, citing safety concerns.

“Security vehicles are strictly meant for guarding presidential candidates. Any attempt to use them otherwise will attract serious consequences,” Kituuma warned, referencing the official vehicles and 16 police officers provided to each candidate by the Electoral Commission. He also stated that reckless behaviors such as supporters riding on top of campaign vehicles would not be tolerated.

Campaign security personnel were further reminded by Kituuma to remain "vigilant, professional, and non-partisan" throughout the election period.

In response to concerns about impartiality, Kituuma addressed ongoing investigations into viral videos that appear to show police officers defacing posters of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Kyagulanyi in Kampala and Mbale. He confirmed that the officers in question had been summoned by the regional Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) team. “The investigations are ongoing. The only thing I don’t have at the moment is the outcome, but results will come out very soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, NUP Spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi called on law enforcement to uphold fairness throughout the campaign period and to refrain from interfering with opposition activities.