Zadock Amanyisa || Tayari News
KAMPALA – As Uganda enters a critical phase of the electoral process with candidates intensifying their campaigns, the Uganda Police Force says it is ready to ensure that the 2026 general election is conducted peacefully.
Speaking during a weekly press briefing on Monday, January 12, 2026, the Police Chief Political Commissar, AIGP Ubaldo Bamunoba, told journalists that the force has made significant progress in the management of elections, and it is their collective responsibility to “safeguard these gains by promoting peaceful engagement and respect for the rule of law.”
“Uganda Police Force, working security organs, assures the nation of its total and unwavering commitment to securing the electoral process at all levels. Peace must be a defining value before, during and after elections. It is only people that we can protect our democracy and ensure a stable and prosperous future for our nation.” AIGP Bamunoba said
About heavy deployments across the country, Bamunoba said that while there is no insecurity, the force is deploying to deter crime because police are supposed to be proactive, not reactive.
He asked Ugandans to comply with the guidelines set by security organs, such as leaving the polling stations after voting to avoid overcrowding.
“The Presidential Elections Act states it very clearly that a candidate can be at a polling station to witness what is going on directly or indirectly through his or her agent. It is the duty of the agent to act on behalf of the candidate, to monitor the proceedings, participate in the tallying, receive the results on behalf of the candidate, and then transfer them to the tally centre. So, what is the work of the voter who has cast his or her vote at the polling station? Kindly follow the security guidelines so that an enabling environment prevails and voting goes on in an enabling environment,” Bamunoba warned.
” He noted, adding that “there is no justification whatsoever for engaging in criminal acts in the name of elections. Citizens are therefore urged to exercise maximum restraint and reject violence even when provoked by political opponents.”
On the safety of journalists
Apologising to the journalists for the past events where members of the fourth estate have been brutalised by security forces while on duty, Bamunoba said that journalists work with the police under a cordial relationship and there is no reason for the two sides to conflict.
“Wherever things have not gone right in one way or another, and your safety has been compromised, we apologise, we are sorry, but as you know, maybe that’s part of the occupational hazards. But as you know, we promise to do our best.” He stated
“The IGP has assured you that the police enjoy a cordial relationship with you, and you are very necessary in helping to broadcast to the world what is happening in the arena of security. We cannot do away with you. Therefore, I am assuring you that we have sat and done an inspection and realise how important you are, and your safety is very critical. Be assured that you are safe at all times,” Bamunoba remarked
He also charged the journalists to remain professional and act within the bounds of the law by being on safer sides while working in chaotic scenes to keep safe.