Election Security on High Alert as Kiira Regional Police Command Implements Comprehensive Measures.
Security Officials after the meeting. (Photo By Sp James Mubi)
By Kenneth Wamatoyi.
The Kiira Regional Police Command
has heightened security ahead of the upcoming elections, following a Regional
Joint Operations Command (JOC) meeting held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025,
at Jinja City Hall. The meeting, chaired by Jinja City Resident City
Commissioner (RCC) Mr. Richard Gulume, focused on strategic security
planning for all three phases of election policing: before, during,
and after the polls.
Mr. Gulume commended the joint
security efforts during the NRM grassroots elections and warned
political candidates against forming militia groups, such as the so-called Gaali,
which he said pose a threat to public safety and national security.
The RCC also cautioned security
personnel against falling prey to blackmail or character assassination by
political hopefuls. He emphasized the need for strict adherence to the rule
of law, continuous consultation with the Electoral Commission (EC),
and collaborative teamwork among all security agencies. "No one can
operate in isolation when it comes to securing an electoral process," he
stated.
Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Kanyesigye, the Cantonment Commander for Busoga Sub-region,
called for regular joint security meetings and frequent reviews of
operational guidelines to enhance preparedness and address potential
threats. He underscored the importance of Regional JOC meetings in ensuring
effective coordination and cooperation among agencies and stakeholders.
He also warned political leaders and
the public against using hate speech, noting that such rhetoric undermines
democratic values and national unity.
SSP Charles Nsaba, the Regional Police Commander (RPC) for Kiira Region,
highlighted the need for inter-agency collaboration in maintaining peace
and stability during the electoral season. He directed District Police
Commanders (DPCs) to prevent any unlawful gatherings or processions within
their jurisdictions.
SSP Nsaba further instructed the
three DPCs to conduct divisional JOC meetings and maintain regular
security review sessions. He assured stakeholders that security presence
would be robust throughout the electoral period, particularly during the
Youth Elections at the village level, slated for Thursday, June 19,
2025.
Mr. Deo Natukunda, the Regional Returning Officer for Busoga Sub-region,
confirmed that the Electoral Commission is midway through implementing
its election roadmap, which includes district and regional
engagements as well as massive civic education campaigns.
He disclosed that no polling
station will accommodate more than 600 voters, and urged security forces to
adequately deploy to support the EC’s work. Mr. Natukunda also
acknowledged that technical challenges during nomination processes often
lead to complaints and petitions, and emphasized the EC's commitment to minimizing
such occurrences.
Ms. Flavia Nakasi, the Jinja City Returning Officer, warned that any
youth candidate found to have altered their National Identification Number
(NIN) or date of birth details on their national ID will be arrested
and prosecuted. She stressed that the EC’s digital systems do not permit
alteration of personal identification details.
Ms. Nakasi further revealed that Jinja
City comprises 141 villages, all of which will participate in the upcoming
youth elections.
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