As Uganda inches closer to its pivotal 2026 general elections, the call for a peaceful, transparent electoral process is growing louder.
At the forefront of this appeal is Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao, who has delivered a firm yet thoughtful plea for calm and order, urging a shift in how electoral security is managed in the country.
In a recent statement, Mao stressed that the responsibility for maintaining security at polling stations should fall to disciplined police officers, not military personnel.
“The sight of soldiers at voting centres sends the wrong message,” he warned. “It instils fear among citizens and opens the door to potential violence, undermining the democratic process.”
Mao’s remarks come at a time when many Ugandans are still grappling with memories of past elections marred by tension, allegations of rigging, and heavy-handed security operations.
He believes the answer lies in demilitarizing the election environment and promoting trust through professionalism and transparency.
Additionally, the legislation seeks to guarantee media freedom during the electoral period. Journalists will be given the protection they need to report freely and accurately on election developments another crucial pillar of a functioning democracy.
