Legal Experts Call for Clearer Role of Security Agencies Ahead of Uganda’s 2026 Elections

Summary:

• Legal experts in Uganda are urging for a clearer definition of the UPDF’s role in the upcoming 2026 elections to prevent violence and legal violations. A study by the Network of Public Interest Lawyers highlights the contentious involvement of the army in past elections. Experts stress the need for reforms to ensure security forces remain professional and nonpartisan, while UPDF officials emphasize the importance of coordination and training to maintain order.

---

KAMPALA, (Examiner) – As Uganda gears up for the 2026 general elections, legal experts are emphasizing the need for a well-defined role of security agencies, particularly the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), to curb ongoing violence and conflicts.

A recent study by the Network of Public Interest Lawyers revealed that the UPDF’s involvement in past elections has been contentious, with instances of army personnel allegedly assaulting civilians.

Professor Christopher Mbazira, the study’s principal investigator, highlighted that while the law allows the UPDF to assist the police, the army often takes over completely, overshadowing the police and violating legal norms.

Mbazira stressed the need for substantial reforms to avoid repeating Uganda’s history of political instability, human rights abuses, and breaches of the rule of law.

“Elections require heightened vigilance from security agencies,” Mbazira stated. “However, there is always a risk that these agencies might be exploited by political actors for personal gains. It’s crucial to establish mechanisms that regulate their activities during elections, clearly defining their powers and holding violators accountable.”

Makerere University Professor Julius Kiiza underscored the importance of maintaining professionalism and impartiality among security forces during elections. He also warned about the influence of a “deep state” manipulating security personnel for its own purposes.

UPDF Deputy Spokesperson Colonel Deo Akiiki defended the army’s role, urging political actors to avoid inciting violence that necessitates military intervention to support an overextended police force.

Akiiki explained that security teams typically coordinate with the Electoral Commission (EC) during elections and are already engaging experts to train involved personnel.

“Security personnel and the public need to understand the roles we play to ensure an election without security issues. Continuous engagement will likely minimize such occurrences,” Akiiki said. “We also urge electoral participants to adhere to the rules to avoid legal breaches that would require security intervention.”

He mentioned the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) where representatives from various security agencies meet and receive training for the electoral process.

Electoral Commission Commissioner Stephen Tashobya noted the commission’s collaboration with security agencies and emphasized the necessity of security forces in elections.

“We encounter diverse approaches to elections, necessitating security due to the inherent power contests,” Tashobya explained. “Compliance with election laws is essential, and security deployment ensures a fair and secure process.”

Tashobya acknowledged that while elections are legally mandated to occur in a secure environment, the challenge arises from individuals attempting to circumvent the law.

Follow @examinerug