Police call for unity, law-abiding politics as 2026 elections approach

Iganga, Uganda: The Police Commissioner in charge of Community Policing, CP Muleterwa Anatoli, has pledged full security ahead of the 2026 general elections, urging politicians to engage in standard, lawful politics instead of forming parallel security units.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Monday, September 01, at Iganga District Council Hall, CP Muleterwa emphasized collective responsibility between the police and communities to curb crime, citing the 2024 crime report that placed Iganga among districts with high cases of defilement, robbery, and other criminal activities.

“I want to assure you that the 2026 elections will be peaceful, but this is only possible if we work together. Security is a collective responsibility. Politicians must trust us and avoid forming personal security crews that could disrupt the legal process,” he said.

Muleterwa warned against domestic violence and criminal acts involving boda boda riders, particularly defilement cases affecting children. He called on parents to uphold responsibilities at home and encouraged political leaders to accept electoral outcomes gracefully, reminding them that the law applies to all, regardless of position.

Addressing community concerns, Patrick Sam Ngogolo, chairperson of the Iganga business community, urged police to restore the taxi park police post, citing its previous effectiveness in controlling lawlessness.

CP Muleterwa assured leaders that the new Sub-County Policing Model will see at least 18 officers deployed per sub-county to handle cases locally and reduce reliance on centralized police stations.

The commissioner also cautioned police officers against mishandling capital cases or detaining suspects unlawfully beyond constitutional limits, responding to community grievances from Nkono and Buligo sub-counties.

Muleterwa later continued his tour to Namutumba and other districts, reiterating the message of collaboration and law-abiding conduct.