As the popular old adage goes, “democracy is not a spectator sport; it’s a participatory event where every vote matters” – an evocative reminder from American activist and filmmaker Michael Moore is making a lot of sense in Uganda.
In the lead-up to the Uganda’s 2026 mouth-watering general elections, the Kiira Regional Police Command is echoing this sentiment, assuring voters of a secure and peaceful voting environment.
With these words ringing in the backdrop, the Kiira Regional Police Command has assured voters and the general public in the region of a safe voting environment ahead of the 2026 general elections.
SSP Charles Nsaba, the Kiira Region Police Commander (RPC), emphasized that all voters and stakeholders will be protected from intimidation, harassment, and manipulation, ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
During a Regional Joint Operations Command (JOC) meeting held at the Uganda Civil Service College in Jinja City on January 8, Afande Nsaba highlighted the strategic deployment of combined security agencies to swiftly respond to emerging security threats.
“…we are leaving nothing to chance, I have instructed the three DPCs to convene immediate security reviews and finalize area-specific deployment plans, unlawful processions, unauthorized gatherings and street demonstrations will not be tolerated…”, the RPC stressed.
According to a press release issued by the region’s police loudspeaker SP James Mubi, the police command has taken a firm stance against individuals or groups planning to cause politically driven unrest, warning that culprits will face the law decisively and expeditiously.
Brig Gen Earnest Nuwagaba, representing the Cantonment Commander Busoga Brig Gen Emmanuel Kanyesigye, reaffirmed the commitment of the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (URDC) to support the police in maintaining public safety and law and order.
“…Regional JOC meetings serve not just as planning platforms but as avenues for synergy between agencies, we must continue to work together intentionally, share intelligence and adapt our tactics in real-time…”, said Brig gen Nuwagaba.
One key point to consider is that the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (URDC) is a unit of the East African Standby Force (EASF)that plays a crucial role in promoting national security and enhancing peacekeeping efforts.
The unit was established in 20109 by the African Union (AU) to address security challenges on the continent. The Gadaffi barracks-based URDC is designed to respond swiftly to emerging security threats with a focus on agility and preparedness.
The RCC Jinja City, Richard Gulume Balyainho who also attended this strategic planning meeting commended RPC SSP Charles Nsaba for effectively policing the festive season and ongoing peaceful campaigns without registering any serious incidents.
Gulume, a long serving public servant emphasized the need for consistent efforts and high discipline among security personnel, noting that the whole country is proud of Jinja’s exemplary policing.
“…our duty is to protect life, property and the sanctity of the ballot, we are not here to take sides but to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their political affiliation has the right to vote in peace and safety…”, the RCC assured.
Key Highlights of the Security Plan:
Strategic Deployment: Combined security agencies will be deployed to all critical government facilities, installations, and polling stations to ensure a safe voting environment.
Joint Operations: Police, army, prisons, and intelligence officers will work together to maintain law and order before, during, and after the elections.
High Voter Participation: Security forces will be deployed strategically to facilitate high voter participation and prevent any disruptions.
Non-Discriminatory Deployment: Security forces will be deployed without bias, ensuring a fair and peaceful electoral process.
The security measures are part of a broader effort to ensure peaceful and credible elections, with the Uganda Police Force (UPF) also planning to deploy 10,000 newly trained officers to strengthen security and boost manpower during the elections.
The UPF has emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, and people-centered policing to maintain order and respect human rights.
Why the Police Is Considered the Lead Agency In Elections:
The police are often designated as the lead agency in elections due to their critical role in maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
Maintaining Law and Order: The police are responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to elections, such as preventing voter intimidation, ensuring compliance with campaign finance laws, and maintaining order at polling stations.
Public Safety: The police play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of voters, candidates, and election officials. They work to prevent and respond to incidents of violence, intimidation, or other forms of disruption that could impact the electoral process.
Securing Electoral Materials: The police are often responsible for securing electoral materials, such as ballots and voting equipment, to prevent tampering or theft.
Providing Support to Electoral Officials: The police may provide support to electoral officials, such as providing security for election officials and their staff, and assisting with the transportation of electoral materials.
Responding to Election-Related Incidents: The police are often the first point of contact for reporting election-related incidents, such as allegations of voter suppression or electoral fraud. They are responsible for investigating these incidents and taking appropriate action.
In Uganda, the police work closely with other agencies, such as electoral commissions and intelligence agencies, to ensure the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
