The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has urged security personnel to exercise restraint during the general elections, calling for polling stations to be free of firearms.
Mao, who is also contesting for the Laroo-Pece Division parliamentary seat, made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Unyama Sub-county, Gulu District, a day before Ugandans head to the polls on Thursday.
He said that while the state has the capacity to deal with lawbreakers, the majority of Ugandans simply want to vote peacefully and see their votes count. Mao noted that public anger often arises when election outcomes fail to reflect the will of the people.
Reflecting on Uganda’s political history, Mao observed that the ruling National Resistance Movement originally took up arms in response to disputed elections. With characteristic humour and historical authority, he warned against repeating the mistakes of the past.
He emphasised that the Electoral Commission must be given full authority to oversee the electoral process, and that the military should operate strictly under the Commission’s guidance. Mao said that in the event of excessive violence, it would be his constitutional duty as Minister of Justice to advise the Electoral Commission to suspend elections.
Mao also sought to reassure Ugandans about the integrity of the voting process, saying the Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) will function effectively at all polling stations.
He explained that the devices are analogue and not connected to the internet, dismissing fears of hacking or manipulation of voter data. According to Mao, the Electoral Commission has deployed two biometric verification machines at every polling station nationwide.
He urged voters to seize the opportunity to participate freely in the democratic process, emphasising that Uganda operates under a multiparty system and that citizens should vote for parties and leaders of their choice without intimidation.
Mao’s remarks come amid repeated calls by the Uganda People’s Defence Force and the Police, urging voters to return home immediately after casting their ballots, a directive that has drawn criticism from some political leaders and human rights groups.
Last week, the Fourth Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori reiterated an earlier statement by the Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, warning voters against loitering around polling stations after voting.
Meanwhile, religious leaders in the Acholi Sub-region, under their umbrella body, the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative, earlier this month called for calm ahead of the elections and condemned acts of violence by security forces against residents of Gulu City.
In Gulu City, security patrols have been intensified along major streets ahead of Thursday’s high-stakes presidential and parliamentary elections.