The Police in East Kyoga Region have announced increased security deployment across the Teso sub-region ahead of tomorrow’s Local Council (LC) elections, assuring the public of a peaceful and fair electoral process.
Speaking to the media at the East Kyoga Regional Police Headquarters in Soroti City, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Haji Ibrahim Saiga, the Regional Police Commander, stated that the force has finalized comprehensive security arrangements to safeguard the elections.
ACP Saiga reiterated the police’s commitment to providing a safe and credible electoral process.
The Regional Commander noted that the recently concluded presidential and parliamentary elections were conducted in a generally peaceful and orderly manner across the region and commended the public for their cooperation and discipline during that period.
“The overall situation remained calm and stable throughout the polling, counting, and declaration processes. All polling stations opened and closed without major incidents,” he said.
ACP Saiga reported that election materials were delivered on time under tight security escort, noting that the only notable challenge involved a few biometric verification machines, but the Electoral Commission swiftly addressed the issue to ensure smooth voting operations.
He added that while there were minor cases of voter misunderstandings and isolated disturbances, these were promptly handled by security teams in accordance with the law, saying no cases of violence or loss of life were reported.
He revealed that joint security deployments, comprising the Uganda Police Force, UPDF, and other agencies, are already stationed at the district, sub-county, and polling station levels.
” Election materials have been successfully delivered to all areas under secure escort. Briefings and final deployments are being conducted to clarify roles and ensure adherence to lawful conduct,” he said.
According to Saiga, motorized and foot patrols will be intensified in urban centers and at identified high-risk areas. “Rapid response teams have been positioned to handle any emergencies or incidents that may arise” he said.
ACP Saiga appealed to all voters and candidates to observe electoral laws, avoid acts of violence, intimidation, or provocation, and cooperate with both polling officials and security personnel.
“We assure the public that adequate security has been put in place to ensure the local government elections are conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful environment. We remain committed to protecting life, property, and the integrity of the electoral process,” he said.
He thanked the Electoral Commission, political actors, civil society organizations, and the media for their constructive engagement and contribution to maintaining peace during the previous elections.
ACP Saiga is urging the public to emulate the same discipline exhibited during the presidential and parliamentary elections.
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