Police warn against violence, intimidation ahead of LC1 elections
Ugandans will head to the polls on Tuesday to elect LC1 chairpersons and village committees, with security agencies expected to maintain a heightened presence across the country to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise.
The Uganda Police Force has issued a stern warning against violence, intimidation and other electoral offences ahead of the Local Council I (LC1) chairperson elections scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
In a statement, Police Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma reminded candidates, their supporters and the public that campaigns officially end on Monday, July 27, and urged all stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process.
“As we approach the Local Council elections scheduled for Tuesday, 28 July 2026, with campaigns ending on Monday, 27 July 2026, we wish to remind all candidates, supporters and members of the public that the electoral process must remain peaceful, lawful and orderly,” Kituuma said.
He said the Police, working alongside other security agencies and administrative stakeholders, would not tolerate any actions that undermine the integrity of the elections.
“The Police, together with other security and administrative stakeholders, will not tolerate any form of misconduct that undermines the integrity of the elections,” he said.
Kituuma warned that acts of intimidation, violence, threats, tampering with election materials, obstructing election officials, campaigning beyond the permitted period, disorderly conduct, voter influence at polling stations and any attempts to disrupt the voting process would attract firm action.
He also cautioned against unlawful processions, public disorder, fighting, physical assault and any conduct likely to create fear or confusion during the elections.
“We also warn against processions, public disorder, fighting, physical assault and any other acts likely to cause fear, confusion or disruption during the electoral exercise. Such conduct will be handled firmly,” he said.
The Police appealed to voters to respect the election timetable, follow instructions issued by election officials and allow the electoral process to proceed without interference.
“Those who choose to engage in bad practices or break the peace should expect decisive police action,” Kituuma warned.
He further encouraged all stakeholders to uphold peace, discipline and democratic principles during the election period, noting that the electoral process provides legal mechanisms for candidates and voters to lodge complaints or challenge outcomes.
“The electoral process has mechanisms through which a dissatisfied party can convey his or her dissatisfaction, grievance or complaint,” he said.
Ugandans will head to the polls on Tuesday to elect LC1 chairpersons and village committees, with security agencies expected to maintain a heightened presence across the country to ensure a peaceful and credible exercise.
