The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has defended its role in providing security support during elections, saying its deployment is only meant to back up the police whose numbers are inadequate to cover all polling stations across the country.
Speaking during a media briefing on preparations for the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations scheduled to take place in the Kigezi sub-region, the UPDF Deputy Spokesperson, Col. Henry Obbo, said the army’s participation in election security is not by choice but by necessity.
“Even if all the Uganda Police Force officers, including the IGP, were deployed to polling stations, the numbers would still fall short,” Obbo explained.
He added that: “The number of polling stations outweighs the number of police personnel, so it becomes inevitable that the UPDF will come in to support the police to ensure a peaceful election.”
He insisted that the army’s role is purely supportive and not intended to interfere with the electoral process.
“As an army mandated to protect and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda, we assure the country that this period of electoral exercise will be peaceful. Nobody will disturb the peace of Ugandans, and every citizen will have an environment where they can freely vote candidates of their choice.” Col Obbo said.
His remarks come amid concerns raised by the National Unity Platform (NUP), which as part of its mobilization strategy for the upcoming 2025 general elections, launched a campaign dubbed “Protest Vote”, encouraging its supporters to cast their ballots and remain at polling stations until counting is complete.
However, Col. Obbo advised voters against staying at polling stations after voting, warning that crowding could lead to security risks and intimidation of other voters.
“When you finish voting, please go home and wait for the announcement of results or for the counting time. Crowding the polling stations after voting can become a security threat or cause unnecessary tension.” he added
The NUP has challenge the credibility of the 2021 presidential elections, citing irregularities such as ballot stuffing and heavy military presence at polling stations.
The UPDF maintains that its involvement during elections is guided by the law and intended to guarantee peace, while opposition parties continue to call for a strictly civilian-controlled election environment.
According to Uganda’s electoral laws, the police are the primary agency mandated to maintain law and order during elections. However, in cases where the situation becomes overwhelming, the police are legally allowed to seek assistance from other security organs, including the army.
Despite this provision, several opposition parties and critics have consistently raised concerns over the army’s involvement in electoral operations, arguing that it undermines the independence of the Uganda Police Force and contravenes electoral laws.
Under the Presidential Elections Act, Section 41(1)(a):
“During an election and throughout the campaign and polling period, every returning officer and presiding officer … may — (a) require the assistance of a member of the Uganda Police Force or other persons present to aid him or her in maintaining peace and good order at the polling station; …”
Under the Parliamentary Elections Act, Section 41(7) (as amended):
“A presiding officer may, where he or she deems it necessary, request for police assistance and he or she shall record in writing the reasons which necessitated the request for such assistance.”
The Police Act (Cap 303), Section 42, allows the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to seek assistance from the Defence Forces when: Public order or security is threatened and the police are unable to manage the situation alone.