Zombo, Uganda: Police authorities in the West Nile sub-region have issued stern warnings to newly trained Election Police Constables against extortion, bribery, unlawful arrests, abuse of authority and excessive alcohol consumption as they prepare to undertake election security duties ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
A total of 2,232 election police constables drawn from Zombo, Nebbi, Pakwach and Madi-Okolo districts passed out on Friday, December 19, 2025, following two weeks of intensive training at Kyambogo University Training Ground in Paidha Town Council, Zombo District.
Of the total number, Zombo contributed 726 constables, Nebbi 724, Pakwach 412 and Madi-Okolo 370, with 650 females and 1,582 males. The constables will be deployed at a ratio of two per polling station to provide site security and crowd management throughout the electoral period.
The Chief Guest, Zombo Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua, commended the recruits for committing to national service but warned that misconduct would not be tolerated.
“When you go out there, you may think nobody is watching you, but the moment we catch you extorting money, even before you earn your first salary, we shall sack you and take you before the law,” Ayikobua said.
He cautioned the constables against abusing the national uniform through drunkenness or intimidation of civilians, stressing that their mandate is to protect citizens and safeguard campaign and electoral materials.
“The uniform you are wearing is a national uniform. Behave responsibly and serve with discipline and teamwork,” he added.
The training curriculum covered police organisational structure, human rights compliance, civic education, standard operating procedures, and Uganda’s electoral legal framework. The three-month deployment runs from December 2025 through January and February 2026 in support of nationwide election security operations.
West Nile Regional Police Commander SSP Latif Zaake emphasised strict adherence to the rule of law, warning that any criminal acts committed while in uniform would attract prosecution.
“Once you join the force, one leg is in prison and the other outside. If you commit a criminal offence using the uniform, we shall take criminal action against you,” SSP Zaake said, describing service in uniform as a patriotic duty.
He further urged commanders to exercise proper leadership and supervision of the constables across their deployment areas.
Zombo District Police Commander SP Job Mutegeki confirmed that the training cohort comprised 650 female and 1,582 male constables, bringing the total election policing strength in the West Nile sub-region to 5,144 officers. He noted that the constables will be deployed with batons, not firearms.
North West Nile Graduations
In North West Nile, an additional 1,570 Election Police Constables — 1,080 males and 490 females — successfully graduated following a 10-day intensive training programme that began on December 8, 2025. Ceremonies were held at Lodonga and Comboni Comprehensive College Training School in Yumbe District.
The Yumbe Resident District Commissioner, who officiated as Chief Guest, congratulated the graduates and emphasised discipline and respect for human rights during election duties.
Adjumani RDC Toko Swaib, who attended as Guest of Honour, urged the constables to uphold professionalism, noting that many eligible applicants missed the opportunity to serve.
Separately, on December 18, 2025, 1,640 Election Special Police Constables from Koboko, Maracha and Terego completed a 10-day training at Kochi Secondary School Training Centre in Koboko District. The ceremony was officiated by Koboko RDC Mitala Immy, who stressed discipline and strict observance of human rights both on and off duty.
The Uganda Police Force is currently implementing a nationwide recruitment drive targeting 100,000 Election Special Police Constables to support security during the January 2026 General Elections. The recruits are entitled to a monthly stipend of Shs469,000.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
