By As Uganda continues its electoral roadmap for the 2025/2026 general elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) has issued a stern reminder that only the Uganda Police Force is legally mandated to provide security during electoral activities, cautioning political actors and groups against forming unauthorized security outfits.
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The warning comes ahead of the Village Youth Committee elections slated for Thursday, June 19, 2025, following the successful conclusion of elections for Village Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Committees earlier this week.
In a press briefing held in Kampala, Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, dismissed reports that some candidates were forming “youth brigades” to guard their supporters and monitor polling stations, citing distrust in state security forces. He described such moves as unlawful and a threat to the integrity of the electoral process.
“Only the Uganda Police is in charge of providing security during the electoral process, including the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) elections,” Justice Byabakama emphasized. “Forming parallel security groups such as youth brigades or militias is not only against electoral laws, but it also breeds anxiety and disorder among voters.”
He urged political parties, organisations, and independent candidates to desist from such actions, reiterating that electoral security is a state function under constitutional mandate and must remain non-partisan.
The Commission praised the peaceful conduct of the ongoing SIG elections in all 71,208 villages across the country, noting that campaigns and polling for Older Persons and PWD Committees were concluded without major incident. The Commission is hopeful that the Youth Committee elections will proceed with similar calm.
Justice Byabakama called on the youth to participate fully and peacefully in the elections. He urged them to reject violence, follow electoral guidelines, and avoid using social media to spread misinformation or incite division.
“Elections will come and go, but our country, Uganda, will remain. Let us make sure we keep it peaceful, united, and progressing,” he said.
As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 general elections, the Commission emphasized the importance of upholding the law and ensuring that all participants—voters, candidates, and security personnel maintain neutrality, professionalism, and discipline.
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The EC also reiterated that members of the UPDF, Uganda Police Force, Prisons Service, public officers, and traditional leaders are barred by law from engaging in partisan political activity, including public canvassing or endorsement of candidates.
The call for non-interference by state actors and politically affiliated groups comes as the country prepares for a busy election season that will culminate in the national polls next year.
