The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) held a presentation to the Uganda Police Force at our head offices – Kingdom, Kampala. Focusing on enhancing inclusive political participation as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections.
During the interface, the Director of Operations of the Uganda Police Force, Frank Mwesigwa, revealed that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have put in place mechanisms and strategies aimed at safeguarding the electoral process. He emphasized the commitment of the police to ensure that Ugandans exercise their political rights in a free and fair environment.
The EOC had summoned the police in response to concerns raised by petitioners from various political parties, civil society organizations, faith-based institutions, trade unions, academia, and individual political actors. These stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction with the role of police and other security agencies in past electoral processes, accusing them of interference.
Among the specific issues raised were:
Interference in political party activities
Arrests and harassment of political activists
Acts of torture and unlawful detention
In his response, Mwesigwa noted that one of the core roles of the police in the upcoming election period is to guide political actors on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and electoral rules to ensure the lawful exercise of political freedoms.
“We cannot have democracy without security,” Mwesigwa stated. “Our role in the upcoming elections is to work with all political actors and guide them on the rules to be followed. I want to assure Ugandans that the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies are committed to ensuring peaceful elections.”
He further warned individuals intending to disrupt the electoral process, stating, “Police is more than ready to deal with any wrong characters.”
On the relationship between the police and political parties, Mwesigwa reiterated that the police continue to work cooperatively with all parties. He said political actors regularly notify the police about their activities, allowing the force to provide necessary guidance to ensure peaceful conduct and respect for others’ rights.
The Secretary to the Commission, Shaft Nasser Mukwaya, appreciated the police for honoring the EOC’s invitation and expressed optimism about future engagements to resolve these concerns.
“We are glad that the police responded positively. We look forward to more engagements to ensure peaceful elections and equal opportunity for all political parties to participate in a free and fair process,” Mukwaya said.
EOC Chairperson, Safia Nalule Jjuuko, urged the police to maintain impartiality and fairness in accordance with the Constitution and the Police Act. She emphasized the importance of avoiding unlawful detention of suspects beyond the constitutionally mandated 48 hours, as such actions undermine public trust in government institutions.
She also called on the police to uphold the freedom of association, both offline and online, in line with the constitutional rights of Ugandans. The EOC concluded by urging the police to act decisively on the Commission’s recommendations to ensure neutrality, security, and accessibility, thereby fostering an inclusive and peaceful electoral process.
