By KT Reporter
The Uganda Police Force has moved to calm fears over security ahead of next month’s presidential and parliamentary elections, assuring both Ugandans and foreigners living in the country that there is no cause for alarm despite a recent security alert issued by the United States Embassy.
The embassy warning, released this week, cautioned U.S. citizens that demonstrations and large gatherings could occur before, during, or after the January 15 polls.
It pointed to recent incidents in which Ugandan security agencies used force to disperse crowds at political gatherings in Kampala and other parts of the country. “Past elections have also seen outbreaks of violence,” the alert stated.
“U.S. citizens should avoid large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities, and refrain from engaging in political events. Past elections have seen internet, mobile network, and social media disruptions.”
The advisory urged Americans living in Uganda to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures, including establishing communication plans with family members or employers in case of internet outages. It also warned that digital financial services could be disrupted.
“ATMs, credit card machines, and mobile money applications may not function in the event of an internet outage. Ensure you have cash in advance. Prepare five to seven days of food, water, and medicine in case you need to shelter in place,” the alert added.
In response, Police Spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke dismissed suggestions that the country is unsafe, saying security agencies are fully prepared to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period.
He said police have deployed well-trained personnel across the country to protect all residents, regardless of nationality.
Rusoke emphasized that elections are routine events and that the force has drawn lessons from past polls to improve preparedness, coordination, and professionalism.
The embassy’s warning about possible internet disruptions comes amid public statements by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), which has cautioned that internet availability before, during, and after the elections will depend on how responsibly it is used.
UCC Legal and Litigation Advisor AbduSallam Waiswa recently said authorities would not hesitate to shut down the internet if there is credible evidence that digital platforms are being used to incite violence.
Ugandans experienced a nationwide internet shutdown during the 2021 elections, raising fears that a similar move could be repeated. Beyond security concerns, the alert has sparked anxiety within the tourism and business community.
Kyamutetera Muhereza, former Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), said such advisories have economic consequences.
Muhereza noted that the alerts discourage potential visitors during what is typically a busy festive and travel season, while also limiting the movement of foreigners already living in the country.
He added that while many countries conduct elections without attracting such warnings, repeated incidents during Uganda’s campaign period make it difficult for embassies to remain silent.
“When things that are not appropriate are seen during campaigns, embassies find it necessary to alert their citizens,” Muhereza said.
Uganda heads to the polls on January 15 to elect a president and members of parliament. However, the campaign period has been marred by violent confrontations in some parts of the country.
Opposition supporters—particularly those allied to National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, have reported incidents of tear gas use, beatings, arrests, and shootings in areas such as Iganga.
As the election date draws closer, the contrasting messages from security agencies and foreign missions underscore the tense atmosphere surrounding the polls—one in which assurances of preparedness coexist with memories of past violence and fears of disruption.
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