Businesses Slowly Reopen Under Watchful Security in Kampala

A strong security presence remains visible across Kampala as parts of the business community gradually resume operations following Uganda’s general elections. 

The city was largely deserted on Thursday as Ugandans went to the polls to elect a president and members of parliament. 

The quiet persisted in the immediate aftermath, with many residents avoiding the city center amid fears of post-election unrest. In Kifumbira Zone, Kampala, area chairperson Joseph Bahemuka said residents temporarily fled the city over safety concerns.   

“Many people left for Kisoro District, not because they were registered voters there, but due to widespread fear that Kampala would erupt into protests following the elections,” Bahemuka said.     

He added that he has received multiple calls from residents seeking updates on the security situation before deciding whether to return. 

Some residents have returned cautiously to the city center, reopening businesses under heightened vigilance. At Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza, phone dealer Caleb Nasasira said traders are monitoring the situation closely. 

“Most shops have reopened, but we are on high alert. Protests can erupt at any time,” he said, noting that some business owners have stationed people outside their shops to provide early warnings if trouble arises. Traffic remains light on many city roads, reflecting lingering tension.

Businesses on the outskirts of Kampala have largely resumed normal operations, while those in the city center continue to operate with caution. 

Police and military personnel have been deployed at major road junctions and roundabouts, including Bwaise, Kalerwe, Kisaasi, Busega, and Nsambya near Mestil Hotel.

Other areas with a visible security presence include Makindye, Katwe, and Entebbe Road junctions at Kibuye and Ndeeba. 

Tents have been set up to shelter deployed officers. Additional deployments have been reported in Kawempe, Bwaise, and the city center, including Bakuli, Nakivubo, Kisekka Market, and City Square near the Central Police Station. 

Security personnel are also stationed in Kamwokya, near the former National Unity Platform offices, and along Old Kira Road in Bukoto. Police Spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke emphasized that the deployments aim to maintain law and order. 

“The presence of security forces should not alarm anyone with lawful intentions,” he said, adding that the goal is to ensure public safety as residents gradually return to their routines.

Protests erupted in parts of Kampala and surrounding areas on Friday, a day after voting, as demonstrators expressed dissatisfaction with the Electoral Commission’s processes and vote tallying. 

Security forces reportedly used teargas and live bullets to disperse protesters blocking roads and burning tyres. In Bwaise, three protesters were reportedly shot dead, while other fatalities occurred in Makindye-Katwe.

Similar incidents were reported in other parts of the country, including Butambala District, where at least seven people were allegedly killed in election-related violence.

Police have indicated that a comprehensive statement on election-related incidents will be issued in due course.