The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya, has warned security agencies not to cover vehicle number plates or hide name tags during the campaigns. She says these actions reduce openness and make people lose trust.
Wangadya spoke during a human rights meeting with top commanders from the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP), Uganda Prison Services, and other security groups.
The meeting in Kampala on Thursday was meant to talk about worries raised by election observers and monitors in past elections.
Wangadya said past observers noted several human rights concerns, including the use of excessive force, harassment of journalists, illegal arrests of election observers, and the involvement of the military in policing roles without clear justification.
“We want transparency,” she said. “We are against the police covering registration numbers of their vehicles, covering their faces, or hiding the name labels on their uniforms. Such actions create fear and confusion among the public and must stop.”
She also noted that while transparency is essential, members of the public must not misuse officers’ identities by circulating their personal information or attributing false acts of violence to them. She revealed that some officers’ families, including spouses and children, have been targeted online, something she described as “offensive and dangerous.”
Wangadya explained that the meeting was meant to dialogue with police commanders on concerns repeatedly raised by election observers. These concerns include Partisan conduct by some police officers, especially during crowd management, harassment and detention of journalists, excessive use of force, military involvement in routine policing activities, attacks on security officers by disorderly civilians, and the emergence of armed vigilante groups during elections.
She emphasised that the police, army, and prison service all have roles defined by law, but their involvement must be clear and accountable.
“The public believes the army sometimes gets involved in police operations without invitation. We want to understand from you—Is it true or not?” she asked the commanders. She stressed that when the army is invited for crowd control, the police should remain in charge of the operation so that responsibility is well-defined.
Wangadya also challenged the security officers to manage rowdy situations without breaching human rights, reminding them that security personnel are always visible and their actions are often captured on video.
“You are what some people call enkoko enjeru, a white hen that can be seen from far,” she said. “Videos shared online often leave out the provocation, showing only your response. You must therefore act within the law at all times.” The Commander of Kampala Metropolitan Police, Commissioner of Police Richard Echega, acknowledged public concerns but insisted that all operations are led by the police, even when other forces join in.
“All operations are commanded by the police,” he said. “We work through inter-agency planning meetings, and when the situation requires support from the army or prisons, we invite them as the Constitution allows.”
Echega dismissed claims that there are “goons” operating under the police, saying what people often see are intelligence officers who operate in plain clothes.
“In the police, we have intelligence officers from Crime Intelligence, CID, and other units. These do not put on a uniform,” he said.
On accusations of excessive force, Echega said police officers also face challenges, including being attacked by rowdy crowds who pelt them with stones.
“We are human beings,” he said. “Sometimes the public becomes rowdy and violent. We encourage dialogue. When people talk to us, and we agree on routes and venues for rallies, things move smoothly.”
He explained that incidents such as those seen in Kawempe, where people were injured during a political rally, were regrettable and not planned. Tear gas, he said, is usually used only to disperse violent crowds.
On the issue of officers covering their name tags, Echega acknowledged that it happens, but insisted that the police have internal disciplinary measures for those who break the law.
“We know it is illegal to cover names,” he said. “We have the Professional Standards Unit, and officers who act outside the law are punished,” Wangadya concluded by reminding the officers that human rights protection applies to both civilians and security personnel. She urged them to handle the electoral season professionally, as their conduct can determine whether the country enjoys a peaceful and credible election.
“At the end of the day, all rights for all people matter, for both civilians and the security agencies,” she said.
The meeting was also attended by officers from the Uganda Prisons Service, Electoral Commission representatives, and senior commanders responsible for operations in Kampala, Mukono, and Wakiso.
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