Peter Banya, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Laroo–Pece Division in Gulu City, has raised concerns over some political hopefuls allegedly orchestrating staged arrests with the assistance of unscrupulous police officers to gain media coverage and sway voter sympathy ahead of the 2026 elections.
Speaking at a civic engagement forum hosted by the Fidelis Leadership Institute, Banya cautioned that certain candidates are shifting away from issue-based campaigns, instead opting for “headline politics” by creating incidents that portray themselves as victims of government oppression.
Despite these occasional theatrics, Banya noted that Gulu City has experienced one of the calmest pre-election periods in recent memory. He emphasized that security agencies remain vigilant and committed to ensuring a safe and fair environment for both candidates and voters.
ASP Patrick Kidega Anywar, Officer-in-Charge of Gulu Central Police Station, highlighted emerging challenges during the campaign period, such as candidates holding rallies past the 6:00 p.m. curfew, defacing rival campaign materials, and a noticeable rise in cyber harassment, a phenomenon less common in previous elections.
Kidega revealed that only one electoral offense case has been filed in court so far, attributing the low number of arrests to the public’s reluctance to report violations despite widespread dissemination of Electoral Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). He assured residents that the police are fully prepared to enforce election rules throughout the campaign period.
Erasmus Kimbowa, Gulu District Returning Officer, confirmed that the electoral process is running smoothly and securely, with no major threats reported despite public concerns over the upcoming elections.
Legal experts attending the forum stressed the importance of voter education. Dolphin Alonyo of Ms Francis Owiny & Co. Advocates urged the Electoral Commission to continuously educate citizens on the responsibilities and duties of elected officials.
Okello Joel Oyet of Odongo & Co. Advocates recommended that police publicly display lists of electoral offenses in prominent areas, noting that many voters unknowingly breach election laws, and ignorance cannot be used as an excuse.
The forum highlighted the need for continued coordination between civic organizations, security agencies, and the Electoral Commission to ensure that both voters and candidates understand and adhere to electoral regulations.
As Gulu City approaches the 2026 polls, officials are calling for calm, issue-focused campaigns, urging residents to report violations, and encouraging responsible participation in the democratic process.
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