By George Buatre

The Uganda Law Society has warned that the demand for legal aid is far outstripping available resources due to election campaign related violences in the country.

The caution has come at a time when political parties, security agencies, and citizens are trading sharp words over conduct and accountability.

Afra Apiyo, Head of Rule of Law at the Uganda Law Society, said the team remains sparse to the number of suspects in urgent need of representation, calling on political parties to train their supporters and polling agents on the law to prevent avoidable arrests.

“Our team is so thin on the ground compared to the number of people who urgently need legal services,” she said, adding " Political parties must train your people, train your polling agents so that everybody is aware of the law and nobody falls on the wrong side.”

The call for professionalism comes amid increasing reports of political violence. Retired Major General Awich Polla Akwir Director External Relations of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) condemned criminal gangs masquerading as party supporters.

“They walked along the street in yellow T-shirts, attacked people, and when they were taken to court, they said, ‘We are NRM,’” he said.Akwir challenged state agencies to act with integrity, emphasizing that misconduct by security officers tarnishes the party’s image.

“It is the party’s reputation at stake. Authorities must act professionally to restore public trust,” he added.

Concerns over human rights were also raised by Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) chairperson Mariam Wangadya, who disclosed that she fears for her life due to persistent threats and intimidation.

“Despite pockets of incidents here and there, the human rights situation in the country as we crown the year 2025 is not dire,” Wangadya said. “I wish to report to you partners gathered here that we just need to remain vigilant.”

Global rights defenders had joined the call for vigilance.

Leonard Zulu, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uganda, said, “When rights are violated, whether through discrimination, violence, or denial of basic freedom, the very fabric of society is weakened.”

Data from the 2024 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index underscore Uganda’s challenges.

The country ranked 126th out of 142 nations globally, representing a slight decline from the previous year, and 29th out of 34 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, behind Rwanda, Namibia, and Botswana.

Legal experts stressed that proactive civic education, professional conduct by state agencies, and accessible legal aid are critical for credible elections.

Afra noted, “The number of legal aid providers cannot substitute for informed political engagement. Citizens need to understand their rights and responsibilities.”

Observers said that as Uganda heads toward the 2026 electoral cycle, all stakeholders including political parties, security agencies, and civil society must collaborate to protect citizens’ rights and strengthen the rule of law.

Failure to act, they warn, could compromise both the credibility of the electoral process and Uganda’s human rights record.

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