The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abbas Byakagaba, has assured Ugandans and election stakeholders of adequate security during the 2026 General Elections, pledging that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to maintain peace and order throughout the electoral period.
The assurance was made on Tuesday during a briefing of accredited election observers held at Mestil Hotel in Nsambya, attended by officials from the Electoral Commission and sister security agencies.
“The Uganda Police Force is fully committed to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the electoral process to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election,” IGP Byakagaba said.
He emphasised that the Uganda Police Force (UPF) will lead election security operations, working closely with other security agencies to safeguard voters, electoral materials, and officials.
“Police is the lead agency for election security, supported by other sister security agencies,” the IGP noted.
IGP Byakagaba explained that every polling station will have an assigned election constable, mainly drawn from the police force, with Uganda Prisons Service officers deployed where necessary to reinforce security arrangements.
“Each polling station will be assigned an election constable, primarily a police officer, and where necessary, prison warders will be deployed to reinforce security,” he said.
He further assured observers that all accredited election officials and observers will be clearly identifiable throughout the electoral process, a measure aimed at enhancing transparency and coordination.
“All accredited election observers will be easily identifiable during the entire electoral process,” Byakagaba added.
The IGP stressed that the presence of security personnel at polling stations should not be viewed as intimidation but rather as a confidence-building measure for citizens.
“The presence of security personnel during elections should reassure citizens and enhance confidence in their safety,” he said.
Officials from the Uganda Prisons Service, led by the Commissioner General of Prisons, confirmed that the service will take part in the election process and tallying exercise to support transparency, coordination, and security.
The briefing, organised by the Electoral Commission, is part of preparations to ensure a coordinated and secure electoral environment as Ugandans head to the polls.
