KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda Police have revealed plans to station 10,000 trained constables at polling stations during the January 15, 2026 general elections as part of efforts to uphold peace and order without resorting to firearms.
The initiative is designed to reduce tension on election day by ensuring that security personnel deployed at voting centers carry only batons, rather than guns, while fully armed officers remain on standby to address serious incidents.
Speaking on Thursday in Kayunga District, Joseph Oduma, the Regional Training Officer for Ssezibwa, explained that the constables currently undergoing training have been specifically prepared for their election security role. He said the recruits’ primary responsibilities will include guiding voters, protecting electoral materials, and maintaining calm at designated polling sites.
“They will not be allowed to be armed with guns. The only tool they will carry is a baton for protection in case of any eventuality,” Oduma stated, emphasizing that the force’s priority is to support voters and create a sense of safety rather than alarm.
Oduma clarified that fully trained and armed officers will still be present to supervise operations and respond swiftly to emergencies should they arise. “Each polling station will have officers who are trained and armed to respond to any incident. The recruits are to support, not confront the public,” he said.
Police sources noted the decision to deploy unarmed constables was deliberate, aimed at minimizing risks and preventing unnecessary escalation during interactions with voters. Training for these recruits includes instruction on human rights, lawful conduct, basic crowd management, election security protocols, and community engagement.
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Ssezibwa Police Spokesperson Hellen Butoto added that the recruits were drawn from local communities and vetted in collaboration with local leaders. This approach, she said, is intended to foster trust and cooperation between security personnel and residents in the areas where they will serve.
Preparations continue nationwide as the Uganda Police ramp up efforts to ensure that the upcoming polls, which will determine both presidential and parliamentary representation, are conducted peacefully.
Officials have underscored that the unarmed constables will complement, not replace, the presence of regular armed officers, reflecting a strategy that emphasizes voter protection and confidence in the electoral process.
