Crime and Ballot: Uganda’s battle for peaceful 2026 elections

As Uganda gears up for the 2026 elections, law enforcement agencies are taking decisive steps to ensure that the process remains peaceful and free from criminal interference.

In a rare show of unity, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) have pledged to crack down on election-related crimes, that threaten to destabilize the democratic process.

During a joint press conference held at CID Headquarters in Kibuli, the Director of Criminal Investigations, AIGP Major Tom Magambo, and DPP Jane Frances Abodo sent a stern warning to those contemplating electoral misconduct.

“We are committed to a peaceful electoral process,” declared Magambo.

“Any attempt to cause chaos or anarchy will be met with the full force of the law. Our approach is not political; it is purely legal. We will pursue anyone who commits a crime, regardless of their political affiliation.”

The upcoming 2026 elections are critical for Uganda, a country where previous elections have often been marred by violence, allegations of fraud, and accusations of law enforcement bias.

The collaboration between the CID and DPP aims to address these issues head-on, focusing on election offenses such as malpractice, fraud, violence, and intimidation.

Abodo emphasized the importance of coordination between investigators and prosecutors to effectively combat these crimes.

“The current nature of crime requires a collaborative approach,” she noted. “Our office is committed to handling all criminal matters, regardless of political affiliation. We must distinguish between civil and criminal matters to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.”

Experts agree that the involvement of law enforcement agencies in securing elections is vital, but caution that their actions must be balanced and fair to avoid deepening political tensions.

Dr. Samuel Okello, a political analyst, explains, “In countries like Uganda, where elections have historically been contentious, the role of law enforcement is crucial. However, the agencies must operate with transparency and impartiality to maintain public trust.”

The press conference also served as a precursor to an inaugural two-day meeting between the CID and DPP, an event expected to set the tone for law enforcement’s role in the upcoming elections.

President Yoweri Museveni is slated to attend as the Chief Guest, underscoring the significance of the gathering.

With a theme centered on the contribution of ODPP/CID to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, the meeting will focus on equipping investigators and prosecutors with the skills needed to handle high-profile, complex criminal cases.

The stakes are high as Uganda moves towards the 2026 elections. The actions of the CID and DPP in the coming months will be closely watched, not just by Ugandans but by the international community, as they work to ensure a peaceful and credible election process.

The question remains: Can law enforcement agencies maintain their neutrality and effectively curb election-related crimes, or will the 2026 elections follow the troubled path of previous polls? The nation waits, hoping for a ballot free from the shadow of crime.