Police commanders have been sternly warned against being influenced by political parties and politicians ahead of intense political seasons. The Inspector General of Police –IGP Abas Byakagaba, who summoned Regional, Divisional and District Commanders cautioned them against committing reckless operational mistakes as political parties engage in primaries to choose candidates for 2026 general elections.
Byakagaba called RPCs, and DPCs for two days retreat at Naguru police headquarters and has since tasked each of them to devise security plans for party primaries for their respective jurisdictions. NRM primaries are known for attracting the most competition which at times turns ugly to the extent of people being injured or even killed. However, the politicians have often accused the police and military person of being influenced by politicians to interfere with the electoral process in their favor.
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In 2020, President Yoweri Museveni reached a point of instructing then IGP Martin Okoth Ochola to conduct investigations with the help of CID to ensure whoever was culpable was apprehended.
Some police officers in Bukedi region were arrested and even charged on matters related to NRM primaries. In other areas such as Kazo, Kiruhura, and Sembabule, the military was cited in interfering with NRM party primaries.
As a result, the political and elections department at CID registered the most cases of political violence during NRM primaries even though the most deadly one were in November during presidential campaigns.
Senior police officers who attended the RPCs and DPCs retreat have revealed that the IGP has cautioned them against taking sides for any political party or politician since such could fuel chaos.
All RPCs and DPCs have reportedly been directed to make weekly or even daily reports to the Office of Operations Services (OPS) Assistant Inspector General of Police –AIGP Frank Mwesigwa.
Police Public Relations department headed by Assistant Commissioner of Police –ACP Kituuma Rusoke, has said the meeting was intended to discuss key policing issues, strategies, and challenges.
NRM is already in nomination processes while NUP has concluded with submission of forms of interest for various positions. PFF and DF are still calling upon members to pick interest forms so that they can be vetted for elective positions ahead of 2026 general elections.