Kiira regional police heightens security ahead of elections
The discussions centered on ensuring security before, during, and after the elections, with a strong emphasis on inter-agency coordination and rule of law.
Jinja: Security in the Kiira region has been significantly enhanced in preparation for the upcoming electoral season, following a high-level Regional Joint Operations Command (JOC) meeting held recently at Jinja City Hall.
The meeting was chaired by Jinja City Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Mr. Richard Gulume, and brought together top security and electoral officials to strategize for a peaceful electoral process.
The discussions centered on ensuring security before, during, and after the elections, with a strong emphasis on inter-agency coordination and rule of law.
“No one can operate in isolation when it comes to securing an electoral process,” RCC Gulume stressed. He commended the performance of security forces during the NRM grassroots elections and issued a stern warning to political actors against forming illegal militia groups like the so-called Gaali, which he described as a threat to public order and national security.
Gulume also cautioned security officers against succumbing to blackmail or character attacks from political aspirants, encouraging them to remain impartial and law-abiding.
Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Kanyesigye, Cantonment Commander for the Busoga Sub-region, reinforced the need for regular joint security meetings and updates to operational strategies. He called on all stakeholders to guard against hate speech, emphasizing its damaging effect on national unity and democratic values.
SSP Charles Nsaba, Kiira Region’s Regional Police Commander (RPC), issued directives to all District Police Commanders (DPCs) to conduct divisional JOC meetings, monitor and prevent unlawful gatherings and processions and maintain consistent security reviews.
“Security deployment will be visible and effective throughout the electoral period, especially during the village-level Youth Elections SSP Nsaba assured.
Mr. Deo Natukunda, the Regional Returning Officer for Busoga Sub-region, provided an update on the Electoral Commission’s progress. He confirmed that implementation of the EC’s election roadmap is well underway, including regional consultations and civic education campaigns.
Natukunda highlighted that no polling station will exceed 600 voters and urged security forces to support the EC in ensuring a safe and orderly voting process.
Meanwhile, Ms. Flavia Nakasi, the Jinja City Returning Officer, issued a strict warning to youth candidates:
“Any individual found to have tampered with their National Identification Number (NIN) or date of birth will face arrest and prosecution. Our digital systems do not allow manipulation of identity data.”
She confirmed that all 141 villages in Jinja City will participate in the upcoming youth elections, and emphasized the EC’s commitment to fairness, accuracy, and transparency.
As Uganda moves closer to critical electoral milestones, the heightened security measures and collaborative planning in the Kiira Region reflect a coordinated effort to ensure peace, order, and democratic integrity.
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