The Electoral Commission (EC) has expressed renewed concern over rising insecurity across parts of the Karamoja Sub-region, cautioning that persistent cattle raids, inter-community violence, and illegal firearm activity could jeopardise the smooth conduct of the forthcoming general elections.
The EC Regional Supervisor for Karamoja, Linos Okori, said while speaking in Moroto on Thursday that although electoral preparations are on track, the security situation remains a major operational threat, mirroring challenges seen during the 2021 polls.
He made the remarks during a regional stakeholders’ engagement organised by RIMIRIAM Civil Society Network, Karamoja, in partnership with the Uganda National NGO Forum and the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC).
Okori noted that several areas remain volatile, warning that without coordinated security intervention, the deployment of election materials and personnel could be affected. He further attributed part of the tension to candidates who lost in previous elections and are allegedly fuelling politically related hostility.
Simon Nangiro, the Chairperson of the Karamoja Elders Association, cautioned that delayed security intervention could undermine voting in remote parts of Moroto, Napak, and Kotido. He supported the EC’s call for early deployment of election officials and security teams.
Nangiro urged communities to resist intimidation and appealed to the youth not to allow themselves to be used to fuel chaos, but instead to uphold peace throughout the electoral period. Moroto Acting RDC, Justin Tuko, affirmed the EC’s concerns, noting that government security agencies are reviewing and adjusting their operational plan to ensure every sub-county is accessible on polling day.
He explained that joint operations involving the Police, the UPDF, and intelligence agencies have been intensified to stabilise identified hotspots ahead of the elections, adding that there is no cause for alarm.
Tuko emphasised the need to avoid a repeat of the 2021 experience, when late delivery of election materials and widespread fear due to insecurity contributed to one of the lowest voter turnouts in the country.
Representing civil society, Paul Piramoe, the UHRC Karamoja coordinator, welcomed government efforts but urged security agencies to uphold human rights throughout the electoral period. He noted that communities continue to report heavy-handedness during disarmament operations.
“Security is essential, but so is human rights protection. Electoral credibility depends on fairness and professionalism,” Piramoe said.
Maj. Moses Elwana Amuya, the Head of Civil-Military Cooperation in the UPDF 3rd Division, said ongoing surveillance and disarmament operations are aimed at averting armed disturbances during the elections. He added that the army will guarantee a safe environment for all citizens to participate in the elections without intimidation.
Karamoja registered some of the lowest voter turnout during the 2021 General Elections, with many residents citing fear of violence, cattle rustling, and movement restrictions linked to armed conflict. The EC says strengthened coordination with security agencies will be crucial in preventing a recurrence.
The Commission is expected to hold additional district-level engagements across the sub-region in the coming weeks as part of its electoral risk assessment and planning for hard-to-reach or security-compromised areas.
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