IGP Abas Byakagaba promises to deliver a peaceful and secure environment for the upcoming 2026 general elections

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba has affirmed the Uganda Police Force’s (UPF) unwavering commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for the upcoming 2026 general elections, urging all stakeholders to adhere strictly to the law as the electoral process enters a critical phase of candidate nominations.

In a statement issued from Police Headquarters in Kampala on Thursday, IGP Byakagaba emphasized that the UPF, in collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders, is fully prepared to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. He highlighted that the nation has now entered a “crucial stage” with the commencement of candidate nominations, soon to be followed by nationwide campaigns across the country.

“I want to encourage all political actors and citizens to exercise their rights responsibly and to respect the rights of others,” IGP Byakagaba stated. “The laws of the country are not in abeyance during the electoral process. All political activities must be within the confines of the law.”

The Police Chief issued a stern warning against a range of prohibited activities, reminding the public that “acts of electoral malpractice and activities that contravene traffic regulations, inciting violence, hooliganism, computer misuse, destruction of property and spreading false information will not be tolerated.”

IGP Byakagaba further appealed to all Ugandans to become “ambassadors of peace” and to “resist manipulation by individuals or groups who may seek to use you as instruments of violence.”

He encouraged citizens to channel their “positive energy and creativity towards building a better future,” stressing the importance of guarding the nation’s “sustained peace” and progress in socio-economic transformation while exercising political rights. He also called for accurate and respectful reporting, cautioning against disinformation and misinformation.

The IGP’s remarks were echoed and elaborated upon at the Thursday launch of the National campaign on peaceful elections, organized by the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy at the Sheraton Hotel. AIGP Mwesigwa Frank, Director Operations of the Uganda Police Force, underscored that “security during elections is critical in ensuring that the process is free, fair, peaceful and credible.”

He detailed that “key security measures will be implemented in the Pre-Election, during the Election Day and Post-election period in coordination with EC, political actors, civil society, media and the community.”

Adding to the collective call for peace, Julius Mucunguzi, Head of Public Relations & Spokesperson for the Electoral Commission (EC), affirmed the EC’s full support for “every effort promoting peaceful elections in Uganda.” He expressed confidence, stating, “We believe we are capable of having a free, fair, credible and peaceful election but it will take the contribution of each of us to do the right thing.”

The Uganda Police Force, through IGP Byakagaba, reiterated its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the electoral process through collaborative efforts with all stakeholders. He urged continued vigilance against “negative elements that may orchestrate criminality” and affirmed the UPF’s commitment to maintaining open channels of communication throughout the electoral cycle.