By KT Reporter
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, police officers and other justice actors in Elgon Region are undergoing a five-day training focused on human rights and the protection of vulnerable groups.
The training, held at Elgon Palace Hotel in Mbale City, aims to promote a human rights-based approach to safeguarding the rights of minority groups, including women, children, refugees, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, as well as upholding civil and political rights.
Funded by the British High Commission of Uganda and facilitated by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force, the program seeks to strengthen the capacity of Uganda’s police and justice system actors.
Senior Commissioner of Police Dr. John Kamya, head of Curriculum and Doctrine Development in the Uganda Police Force, emphasized the timing of the training at the official opening on Monday. He noted the importance of enlightening police and other justice agencies such as the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Judiciary, Uganda Human Rights Commission, Electoral Commission, and Prisons Service about civil and political rights and how to effectively implement them ahead of elections.
Dora Byamukama, an official from ICGLR, highlighted that with new laws like the Human Rights Enforcement Act now in place, justice actors must maintain impartiality and professionalism, especially during the election period.
Josephine Akello, Regional Human Rights Officer at Uganda Human Rights Commission’s Soroti Office, expressed optimism that the training will empower justice actors to respect all citizens and avoid human rights violations during elections.
Elgon Region Police Spokesman Rogers Taitika added that while the training will enhance respect for human rights, police remain committed to enforcing electoral laws during the election season.
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