Experts call for clearer role of security agencies ahead of 2026 polls

As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, legal experts are advocating for a clear definition of the role of security agencies, particularly the UPDF  to address ongoing violence and disagreements.

This follows a study conducted by the Network of Public Interest Lawyers, which concluded that the involvement of the UPDF in elections remains contentious due to past incidents where army members reportedly assaulted civilians.

The principal investigator, Professor Christopher Mbazira, points out that although the law permits the UPDF to support the police, the army often takes full command, overshadowing the police, which contradicts legal provisions.

He emphasised the need for significant reforms to prevent the country's history of political turmoil, human rights violations, and rule of law deficits from repeating.

"Elections stand out as one of the activities that require security agencies to be on high alert," he noted.

"At the same time, there is always a risk that security agencies could be used by political actors for selfish ends. It is for this reason that there must be mechanisms to regulate the activities of security agencies during elections. The extent and limits of their powers have to be defined. Where there is infraction, there must be mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable."

Makerere University Professor Julius Kiiza stressed the importance of ensuring that security forces remain professional and nonpartisan during elections.

He also mentioned the influence of a "deep state" controlling security personnel's activities for its own motives.

Members of the security forces defended their roles, with UPDF Deputy Spokesperson Colonel Deo Akiiki urging political actors to avoid creating situations that lead to violence, which then necessitates army intervention to support an overwhelmed police force.

Akiiki said security teams normally coordinate with the Electoral Commission (EC) during elections and are already in the process of engaging experts to train people involved in the process.

"The security and people need to know the roles we (security) are supposed to play in order to have an election without any security hiccups. Once we engage like this to the end, we are likely to minimize these kinds of occurrences," Akiiki said.

"We also call upon those who participate in the electoral process to follow the rules of the game so that they don’t find themselves on the wrong side of the law, which would invite the intervention of the security forces."

He noted that they usually have the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) where representatives of security agencies selected to participate in the electoral process meet and undergo training.

"Training is the first part in preparing security agencies ahead of the electoral process. We have been given an opportunity to have somebody representing the army at the electoral body, like the area zonal officer who keeps on updating us on whatever is going on," he added.

Electoral Commission Commissioner Stephen Tashobya said the electoral commission works together with security agencies, emphasizing the need for political actors to recognize the necessity of security forces in elections.

"We have groups of people approaching elections with different ideas. So, we cannot have elections without security because elections by their nature are about contesting for power," he said.

He explained that there are those who comply and others who reject, which is where security comes in.

"Some people come with a mentality that they must win at whatever cost, and that alone brings a collision with the security," he said.

He further explained that as the EC, they are mandated to conduct an election in a secure manner, and each of the security organs that come into an election have their roles spelled out in the law.

However, "the challenge we have is people who come and they want to override the law."

Mr. Tashobya added that elections are held in accordance with the law and security must be deployed to ensure free and fair results.

The law states that people participating in elections should operate in a secure environment.