Police Urge Peaceful Participation Ahead of LC1 Elections in Rwenzori East

What the report says

Nile Post reports that security agencies in Uganda’s Rwenzori East Region have appealed to residents to participate peacefully and in large numbers in the Local Council I and Executive Committee elections scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The appeal was issued by the Territorial Police in the region as the country prepares for village-level polls that determine local leadership structures.

According to the report, Regional Police Public Relations Officer ASP Elly Maate said police and other security bodies had stepped up deployments and readiness across the area to protect voters, candidates and election officials. He said security teams had been on alert since the electoral programme began and were prepared to deal with disruptions to public order.

Maate urged candidates, supporters and the wider public to comply with the law and cooperate with officers during the exercise. Nile Post reported that police warned against hooliganism, misconduct, violence and electoral malpractice, saying such conduct would not be tolerated. Residents were also encouraged to stay vigilant, observe safety guidance and report suspicious activity or incidents to security personnel or local leaders.

The LC1 elections matter because Local Council I leaders are the closest formal administrative representatives to communities in Uganda, handling village-level leadership and coordination with higher local government structures. The police message is part of wider efforts to reassure the public ahead of the vote while emphasizing that peaceful conduct and shared responsibility are central to maintaining order during and after polling.