Uganda political gangs remain a troubling part of the country’s election cycles. They often resurface when political tensions rise, causing violence, vandalism, and chaos in urban centers like Kampala.
Recently, residents were left terrified as youth gangs attacked mobile money agents, shoppers, and pedestrians. Many of them wore NRM T-shirts, blending into crowds celebrating President Museveni’s bid for the 2026 elections.
Both police and NRM leaders denied any links to the gangs. They claimed the criminals only took advantage of the event by grabbing party T-shirts for disguise. Despite the denial, the attacks revived long-standing concerns about Uganda political gangs.
History shows a recurring pattern. Politicians often mobilize vulnerable youth during elections for votes or intimidation. In 1996, the government accused Opposition leader Dr. Paul Ssemogerere of organizing gangs that looted during rallies. His supporters, mainly from the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), argued instead that the government planted the gangs to discredit the Opposition.
In 1998, the late Nasser Ntege Ssebagala formed the Youth Brigade. It aimed to protect his votes in the Kampala mayoral race. The NRM countered by strengthening its youth group, the Uganda Young Movementists (UYM), also accused of violent activities.
By 2002, the Kalangala Action Plan (KAP) emerged. Led by Maj. Kakooza Mutale, it was a paramilitary group meant to suppress Opposition mobilizers. However, KAP quickly faced heavy criticism for human rights abuses against civilians. This further solidified the role of Uganda political gangs in elections.
The rise of Dr. Kizza Besigye changed the political landscape. Many youth from the UYD and Youth Brigade shifted their loyalty to his growing movement. His strong influence ahead of the 2006 elections led to more clashes between rival groups and security forces.
To manage unrest, the government collaborated with Utoda, the taxi owners’ association. Its members worked alongside riot police to break up protests. Soon after, the Kiboko Squad appeared. Formed by business owners in 2007, it aimed to protect property during demonstrations but often violently attacked suspected protesters.
Though it claimed to defend businesses, Kiboko Squad became a notorious gang. Their attack in 2010 on Dr. Besigye and several journalists drew widespread public outrage. Police ordered the disbandment of such groups, but that didn’t stop the cycle.
A new gang soon took its place. Boda Boda 2010, led by Abdallah Kitatta, gained political influence. The group supported the ruling party during the 2011 elections but quickly became known for extortion and violence. It also targeted Opposition supporters and participants in the 2011 Walk-to-Work protests.
By 2018, the government turned against Boda Boda 2010. Authorities arrested Kitatta and other leaders for armed crimes. Around the same time, the Crime Preventers network, which started as a community policing initiative, became controversial. It faced accusations of attacking Opposition supporters, especially during the 2016 elections.
After the removal of police chief Gen. Kale Kayihura in 2019, the Crime Preventers were also disbanded. Still, Uganda political gangs continued to operate under different names and faces.
Ahead of the 2021 elections, President Museveni tried a new approach. He offered financial support to ghetto youth, hoping to turn former gang members into NRM supporters. Programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) promised to uplift them from poverty.
Despite this, Museveni still lost in many urban areas where these groups held influence. Even with money and programs, loyalty proved hard to buy. Nonetheless, Uganda political gangs continued to mobilize for the ruling party, especially in Kampala and Buganda regions.
These gangs often roam in large groups. Locally, this is called “kuvuga ekigaali”. They vandalize cars, steal side mirrors, snatch wheel caps, and mug drivers. Anyone who resists usually ends up beaten.
Similar attacks happened during previous presidential inaugurations. Gangs in NRM T-shirts were arrested for assaulting and robbing civilians. Recently, these groups were active in youth council elections, helping the NRM win several urban seats. Their involvement continues to blur the line between legitimate political organizing and criminal activity.
The cycle of the rise, fall, and return of Uganda political gangs continues. Despite repeated promises from authorities, these gangs thrive due to political patronage, unemployment, and weak law enforcement.
Breaking this cycle demands serious reforms. Uganda needs solutions that address youth unemployment, enforce accountability, and strengthen community safety. Without change, Uganda political gangs will remain a constant threat to democracy, peace, and public safety.
Read: Kampala Robbery Suspects Face Court Over June 28 Attacks
