IBANDA — Over 100 Special Police Constables (SPCs) who were deployed to provide security during the January 2026 General Elections have staged a protest at the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) in Ibanda District, demanding immediate payment of their outstanding allowances.
The officers, who gathered while holding placards and chanting slogans, accused the Electoral Commission of failing to fulfill its payment obligations despite reports that some of their colleagues had already received their dues.
One of the protesters, Ronald Ahimbisibwe, said it was unfair that a portion of officers had been paid while many others who performed the same duties remained unpaid.
“We worked and fulfilled our responsibilities during the election period just like everyone else. It is unfair that some officers have been paid while many of us are still waiting,” he said.
The SPCs later marched to the Electoral Commission offices in Ibanda seeking clarification on the delayed payments but were reportedly denied access by security personnel.
According to Assistant Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Guma Nabireeba, about 820 Special Police Constables were recruited to support election security operations in the district, but only around 200 have so far received their allowances.
He acknowledged the grievances raised by the officers and said the RDC’s office is engaging relevant authorities, including the Electoral Commission, to resolve the matter.
“We understand their frustration and the RDC’s office is engaging the Electoral Commission and other relevant offices to ensure all eligible officers are paid,” Nabireeba said.
He urged the affected officers to remain calm as discussions continue.
The officers said the protest was intended to draw attention to their situation and push for faster resolution of the delayed payments, which they say have affected their livelihoods months after the election period.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Ibanda Electoral Commission office were unsuccessful after journalists were denied access to the premises.
The dispute adds to growing concerns over delayed remuneration for temporary election staff, a recurring issue in several electoral cycles where security personnel and polling assistants have complained of late payments.