A group of suspects accused of violently attacking and robbing members of the public during a chaotic political event on Saturday, June 28, have been arraigned before the Chief Magistrate's Court at the Law Development Centre (LDC) in Makerere.
The suspects were arrested by officers from Wandegeya Police Station following public outrage after videos surfaced on social media showing gangs assaulting pedestrians, snatching personal belongings, and causing panic in parts of Kampala.
The incidents coincided with a major political event as President Yoweri Museveni was en route to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat for his official nomination as party chairperson and presidential flag bearer ahead of the 2026 General Election.
Several of the attackers were captured on camera wearing NRM-branded T-shirts, prompting concerns about the misuse of party attire to camouflage criminal activity.
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Police said the suspects were part of a larger group that exploited the day's political excitement and traffic congestion to target unsuspecting members of the public.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed the arrests and court appearance, assuring the public that investigations are ongoing to apprehend all those involved.
"The public should be assured that the law will take its course. No one is above the law, and wearing a party T-shirt does not give anyone a license to commit crimes," Onyango said.
The Chief Magistrate ordered that the suspects be remanded to Luzira Prison pending further investigations.
The case has been adjourned to a later date to allow police to gather additional evidence and identify other individuals captured in the viral footage but not yet arrested.
The NRM Secretariat has since condemned the attacks and distanced itself from the accused individuals.
In a brief statement, party officials expressed regret over the incident and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The incident has triggered a broader debate about security management during political events and the risks posed by opportunistic criminal elements blending into crowds.
Civil society organisations and security analysts have urged political parties to work closely with security agencies to tighten coordination and prevent future violence.
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As the 2026 election season heats up, the case has become a litmus test for law enforcement's ability to uphold order and accountability without fear or favour--especially when political affiliations are involved.
