Police Warn Against Election Violence Ahead of Local Council Polls

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that the Uganda Police Force has cautioned candidates, supporters and the public against violence and other election-related misconduct ahead of Local Council polls scheduled for Tuesday, 28 July 2026. According to the report, Police Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma said campaigns were due to close on Monday, 27 July, and that campaigning after the official period would not be allowed.

The report says police, in coordination with other security and administrative bodies, stated they were prepared to support a peaceful and orderly electoral process. Kituuma warned that authorities would act against intimidation, threats, violence, interference with election documents, obstruction of election officials, disorder at polling stations, unlawful campaigning and attempts to disrupt voting. Police also cautioned against processions, fighting, assaults and conduct likely to cause fear or confusion during the exercise.

According to Watchdog Uganda, Kituuma said security measures had been arranged to protect voters, election workers and electoral materials while maintaining public order during polling. He urged citizens to follow the election timetable, respect directions from election officials and avoid interfering with voting.

The warning matters because Local Council elections involve community-level leadership and can draw intense local competition. The police also reminded candidates and voters that electoral disputes should be pursued through lawful complaint and redress mechanisms rather than through violence or public disorder. The force said it would work with stakeholders to help ensure the polls take place in a secure and peaceful environment.