Police Deploy Dogs and Tear Gas on NUP Supporters in Kawempe, Sparking Outcry from Lawyers
Kawempe, Uganda
During a high-profile campaign rally for National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) in Kawempe, Kampala, the Uganda Police Force used canine units alongside tear gas to disperse large crowds, according to eyewitness reports and published videos. The event on 24 November 2025 drew thousands of supporters, but instead of a peaceful rally, scenes turned chaotic when officers released police dogs toward by-standing civilians. Some attendees were injured or left shaken, while others said they were merely trying to observe and support.
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly condemned the police’s actions, calling the deployment of dogs at a political event an “unacceptable breach” of people’s right to assemble peacefully. In a public statement, ULS argued that police dogs have a legitimate role — such as in crime scene investigations, tracking, or narcotics detection — but should not be used at campaign events to intimidate or control political supporters. The society also compared the tactic to historical abuses, noting that dogs were weaponized in past repressive regimes to suppress dissent.
Security officials justified their use of force by citing concerns about illegal campaign processions. A police spokesman claimed that their officers were trying to stop unauthorized movement, but critics reject this explanation, saying the scale and aggression of the response reveals deeper political intent. NUP leaders accused the authorities of orchestrating intimidation to derail their campaign, while civil society organizations warn that such heavy-handed tactics could escalate tension as Uganda heads into its 2026 election season.
This incident raises serious questions about how democratic rights are protected in Uganda under mounting political pressure. The use of dogs at political rallies could become a chilling precedent: will other parties face similar treatment, or will security agencies recalibrate their approach under public and legal scrutiny? Observers are calling for an independent review of the canine deployment, and for clear reforms around crowd control and protest policing.
What to Watch For
A key development to follow will be whether the Uganda Police or government responds to the ULS demands for a ban on using canine units at political events. Legal action may follow, as NUP and civil society could challenge the tactic in court. Campaign strategies may shift: NUP might demand more secure venues or issue new guidelines for supporters. International observers could also issue statements, potentially influencing how local security forces manage political dissent in the coming weeks.
