KAMPALA The Katikkiro (prime minister) of the Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on security agencies to refrain from abductions and beatings of Ugandans, which have become common as the country gears up for the 2026 General Election, warning that continued violence and intimidation threaten national unity and undermine the country’s democratic foundations.
Speaking during an engagement with leaders of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) at Bulange Mengo on Monday, Mr Mayiga said the duty of security operatives is to protect citizens, not to instil fear.
“Let us make sure that threats, abductions and beatings come to an end because we are all Ugandans,” he said.
According to him, enforcing law and order should never be used as justification for brutality, stressing that no authority can successfully suppress the will of the people through violence.
“You cannot beat all the 45 million Ugandans simply because you want to put law and order in place,” he said
The seasoned lawyer and author reasoned that peace and respect for human life are essential for free and fair elections, warning that insecurity and intimidation only deepen mistrust between citizens and the state.
“Elections must be conducted without fear. When people are abducted or killed, democracy is weakened,” he said.
The Katikkiro described Buganda as a central pillar of the country, arguing that instability in the region has far-reaching consequences for Uganda as a whole.
“Buganda is the foundation of this country, and whatever happens here affects the whole nation,” he said.
He also advised individuals aspiring to lead Uganda to first understand the country’s history and cultural roots, arguing that leaders who ignore their origins and heritage often fail to unite the nation.
“We have seen several presidents, but they all know where they come from. Understanding your roots helps leaders to prosper,” he said.
He noted that the Buganda Kingdom remains open to leaders from all political parties and walks of life, provided they respect the kingdom’s values, institutions, cultural norms and aspirations.
“You are welcome to the kingdom regardless of party affiliation, as long as you respect our rules,” he said, adding that national symbols such as the Ugandan flag play an important role in promoting unity.
He outlined Buganda Kingdom’s five strategic priorities: protecting and promoting the kingdom, advocating for federalism, safeguarding land and Buganda territory, fighting poverty, and strengthening unity.
“These strategies are the backbone of our heritage. Whoever respects them secures support in Buganda,” he said, noting that the priorities go beyond financial resources to include culture, rituals and shared values.
To the youth, the prime minister warned against the misuse of social media, arguing that reckless online behaviours could destroy future opportunities and fuel hatred.
“Avoid dragging parents and family members of people you disagree with into attacks on social media. It is not right, and it will affect your future plans,” he said.
He added that those who incite young people to engage in abusive or irresponsible online conduct often abandon them when consequences arise.
NUP presidential flag bearer, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, lauded the Katikiiro for leading the reconstruction of the Kasubi Tombs, describing it as a major cultural achievement.
Mr Kyagulanyi raised concerns about alleged abductions in Buganda, citing cases involving opposition supporters whose whereabouts remain unknown 2020 when he declared to challenge President Museveni who has been in power since 1986.
The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mr Joel Ssenyonyi said Parliament is prioritising Buganda-related issues, including demands for accountability and compensation of over Shs5 billion that the central government owes the kingdom.
NUP vice president for Buganda Sub-region and Butambala MP Muhammed Muwanga Kivumbi said the main opposition party is targeting at least 100 parliamentary seats from the central region, expressing confidence that unity and determination would deliver the long-awaited change to the country.
The engagement marked the first official interaction between NUP leadership and the Buganda Kingdom as Mr Kyagulanyi campaigned in Rubaga Division, Kampala .