Uganda: Police Warn Against Violence Ahead of LC1 Polls

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Nile Post report from Kampala, reported that Uganda Police warned candidates, supporters and the public against violence ahead of Local Council One elections scheduled for Tuesday. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke told journalists on Monday that, under the Electoral Commission roadmap, campaigning was ending that day and that campaign activity or processions would not be permitted on polling day.

According to the report, Rusoke said security agencies viewed the recently completed Women’s Council elections as largely orderly, with only limited misconduct recorded. However, he cautioned that police would act against intimidation of voters, threats targeting candidates, disruption of voting, obstruction, tampering with election procedures or attempts to influence results unlawfully.

The warning is significant because LC1 elections take place at Uganda’s most local tier of government, covering village chairpersons and committee members. The Nile Post report noted that voters are expected to publicly line up behind their preferred candidates or their representatives, a voting method provided for under the Local Governments Act. Police specifically raised concern about possible disruption where candidates see little support in their line and interfere with opponents.

Rusoke also urged candidates who lose or dispute results to use established legal and electoral complaint channels rather than violence. The police message, as reported by Nile Post via AllAfrica, was that peaceful conduct and respect for electoral rules would be expected before and during the vote, with security agencies prepared to respond to unlawful actions.