By KT Reporter
Police Chief Police Commissar, Ubaldo Bamunoba, has cautioned police officers in the Katonga region against engaging in any acts of election malpractice.
Bamunoba said it is the police officer’s role to ensure that all electoral processes are free and fair, but not to interfere or influence the process.
“As we approach the election season, I remind you to ensure the process is free and fair for all Ugandans, in full alignment with the electoral roadmap. You should focus on your duties without fearing or favouring anyone,” AIGP Bamunoba said.
Uganda is counting days to the Presidential and Parliamentary nominations ahead of the 2026 general elections. However, the 2021 elections were marred by violence, including the shooting to death of 54 people on November 18 and 19, 2020, during the protests that emanated from the arrest of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.
The recently concluded NRM parliamentary primaries were also characterised by violence, which left seven people killed in the districts of Isingiro, Lwengo, Busia, Mayuge, Budaka and Ssembabule. Also, dozens of supporters of various candidates survived with injuries.
AIGP Bamunoba held a meeting with Katonga regional police commanders on Wednesday evening as part of his sensitisation and ideological orientation tour. The Katonga region covers Mpigi, Gomba and Butambala districts.
During the meeting, which was held at Mpigi district headquarters, Bamunoba said it is incumbent that any police officer desists from participating in any acts that are unprofessional and any acts which do not respect the rule of law.
“I remind you that our strength lies in professionalism, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. Our communities must feel safe, and this means moving away from armchair policing and being intentional in our work,” Bamunoba said.
Also, the Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, has repeatedly urged every officer to wear patriotism like a badge, to approach duties with a positive attitude, and to give special attention to vulnerable groups, especially women, children, and all Ugandans, when upholding human rights.
The same message was echoed by Bamunoba in Katonga, where he emphasised that customer care at every police station, timely response to distress calls, and coordination with other security agencies and stakeholders are non-negotiable. “We must remain accountable to the people we serve and actively support government programs as we move toward Vision 2040.”
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