The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has condemned the Uganda Police Force following the deployment of police dogs and heightened security at the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential campaign rally at Kawempe on Monday this week.
This has been revealed in the public statement as the ULS expressed deep concern over media reports and video footage showing the use of police dogs alongside teargas, violent dispersals and forceful arrests to civilians.
The ULS however emphasized that the police Cananine Unit is trained for tasks such as crime scene investigations, explosives, and narcotic detection, tracking and search rescue not political control.
The society however, also raised concerns over reports of arbitrary arrests noting that several innocent people, some merely using public roads around Kawempe and not participating in the campaign were arrested.
It however noted that such actions violate constitutional rights to liberty and due process and erode public trust in law enforcement.
It also questioned the state’s commitment to democratic principles stating that if the state permits its law enforcement agencies to unleash living creatures as instruments of political coercion and to arrest innocent people, what it says about the rule of law in the country.
Meanwhile, Uganda Law Society affirmed it’s readiness to defend the right of association and peaceful assembly and it’s commitment to upholding the rule of law as well as protecting the rights of all citizens.
By Alex Magala
26th Nov 2025
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