Kampala, Uganda: Inspector General of Police, IGP Abbas Byakagaba, has assured Ugandans of full police preparedness and a safe voting environment ahead of next week’s general elections, warning that violence, intimidation and politically motivated threats will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Addressing the media on Saturday, January 10, 2026, Byakagaba said the Uganda Police Force is clear about its constitutional role during elections, to provide a secure environment in which the Electoral Commission can independently carry out its mandate.
“Our role is not to drive the activities of the Electoral Commission, but to ensure that there is an environment that allows those activities to take place,” Byakagaba said, adding that police operations during the election period are guided strictly by the law and instructions from the EC.
The IGP stressed that while elections are ongoing, police will continue enforcing the law without exception, including responding to criminal acts that fall outside lawful electioneering.
“If you are going to threaten an individual, that cannot be part of electioneering. It is not covered by the law. As law enforcement, we shall act,” he said.
No tolerance for intimidation or sectarian violence
In a firm and sharp message to the political actors, IGP Byakagaba warned that police will decisively deal with individuals or groups engaging in intimidation, assaults or sectarian violence linked to political affiliation.
“We already have incidents where people are beginning to beat others because they belong to different political camps. This is something we are not going to tolerate,” he said, citing reported cases in parts of Kampala.
He emphasised that no Ugandan should be forced, frightened or coerced into changing their political choice. “Nobody has the power to make someone change what he or she wants to do. We are going to protect all Ugandans. Mark my words,” the police chief said.
The IGP said police and sister security agencies have intensified preparations and deployments nationwide to guarantee public safety before, during and after polling. “We are very committed and serious about this. There are no games in this process. We are going to give Ugandans the adequate security they require so that this exercise can take place,” he said.
“Our people should not be scared. They should be strengthened, because we are creating an environment that allows them to freely do what they want to do,” Byakagaba added. “This responsibility was given to us, and we must protect this process and the people involved in it. That is the bottom line.”
The IGP’s comments come amid heightened anticipation of possible protests by the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), whose leaders have repeatedly mobilised supporters to remain near polling stations after voting under the banner of “protecting the vote.”
NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has in recent weeks urged supporters to maintain a presence around polling stations as a vigilance measure, a position that security agencies say risks triggering unnecessary tension and disorder.
But police and other security forces have consistently advised voters to cast their ballots and return home, stressing that accredited party agents are legally mandated to remain at polling stations and tally centres to safeguard the integrity of the vote.
IGP Byakagaba reiterated that while peaceful participation in the electoral process is protected by law, any actions that amount to intimidation, obstruction or unlawful assembly will be dealt with firmly. “Our responsibility is to protect Ugandans and the electoral process,” he said, warning that behaviour, whether during or outside electioneering, that violates the law will attract decisive police action.
Security agencies say deployments have been calibrated to prevent clashes between rival political groups, maintain public order and ensure that voting, counting and tallying proceed without interference as the country heads into polling day.
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