By Moses Kintu
In an effort to quell growing anxieties surrounding the upcoming elections, Assistant Inspector General of the Police (AIGP) and Chief Political Commissar, Bamunoba Ubaldo, has reassured the public that the Uganda Police Force is fully prepared to guarantee peaceful elections.
Speaking to journalists at a meeting with police commanders in the Busoga East region at the Youth Centre in Kamuli on Saturday 24th May 2026, AIGP Bamunoba addressed concerns regarding the police’s capacity to manage potential election-related unrest.
The AIGP highlighted the recent addition of newly trained officers from the Kabalye Police Training School as a significant boost to the force’s manpower.
“We have reinforced our numbers with the latest officers who recently passed out at Kabalye Police Training School,” Bamunoba stated.
This injection of fresh talent aims to bolster the existing police presence and provide a more robust security apparatus capable of effectively managing potential challenges during the campaign period and on election day itself.
The training curriculum at Kabalye Police Training School is designed to equip officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle a variety of scenarios, including managing large crowds, responding to incidents of violence, and ensuring the safety and security of both voters and election officials.
However, AIGP Bamunoba emphasized that the onus of ensuring peaceful elections does not solely rest on the shoulders of the police.
He made a strong appeal to politicians to exercise responsibility in their campaigns and refrain from using inflammatory language that could incite violence among their supporters.
“We call on all politicians to be more responsible and not incite violence,” he urged. “Instead, we encourage them to promote a message of peace and encourage their supporters to observe peace during the campaigns. Responsible political discourse is crucial for a fair and peaceful election process.”
The AIGP’s statement comes at a crucial time, as the country gears up for what is expected to be a hotly contested election period in 2026.
Fears of potential unrest are not uncommon during such periods, and the police’s reassurance, combined with its reinforcement of manpower, aims to instill confidence in the public’s ability to exercise their democratic rights in a safe and secure environment.
The meeting in Kamuli underscored the police’s commitment to working closely with local communities and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process.
The AIGP’s proactive approach, coupled with the appeal for responsible leadership from politicians, signals a strong intent to prevent violence and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
The success of these efforts will be vital in ensuring a peaceful and credible election that reflects the will of the Ugandan people.
