The Director of Criminal Investigations, AIGP Tom Magambo, has issued a stern warning to individuals plotting to disrupt Uganda’s forthcoming General Elections, urging them to respect the law and allow Ugandans to exercise their democratic rights peacefully.
Addressing Divisional and District CID officers at the CID headquarters in Kibuli, Magambo said the majority of Ugandans are ready to vote peacefully and continue building the country, but a few elements may attempt to cause chaos.
“Our system will be here to make sure, with your strategic guidance, that our country is safe,” Magambo said. “We have a bigger part of Ugandans who are ready to cast their votes and peacefully continue building our country. But there are a few elements who think they can use this opportunity to disorganize our elections. To them, I have a message—please don’t. This is the only country we call home. Regardless of your political affiliation, go and cast your vote and peacefully allow Ugandans to continue.”
His remarks came during a security meeting attended by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, who expressed confidence that the country is well-prepared to deliver a peaceful election.
“I stand with a lot of confidence that working together with you and the other security organizations, we are going to deliver the most peaceful election in this country,” Byakagaba said.
He warned those intending to flout electoral laws and regulations that “they will not find us wanting,” adding that security agencies will do all it takes to ensure the exercise is carried out without hindrance.
Byakagaba revealed that the Uganda Police Force has undertaken “deliberate measures” to secure the polls, including zoning the country into nine election-security zones, activating all job centers, and implementing an inter-agency security master plan.
He said three additional policing regions have been created, 10,000 probation police constables have been recruited and trained, and plans are underway to recruit an additional 100,000 constables.
He also noted that police have achieved more than 90 percent of planned procurement of vehicles, consumables, and other equipment needed for election security.
Byakagaba emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation with partners such as the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Prisons Service, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, saying collaboration is key to maintaining Uganda’s hard-won peace during the election period.
