As the dust settles on the final weeks of 2025, a visible tension has begun to settle over Uganda’s urban centers and rural outposts alike. With the 2026 General Elections scheduled for January 15, the government has moved the country’s security apparatus into its highest state of readiness.
The most significant indicator of this shift came this week with the declaration of “Standby Class One” status for the Uganda Prisons Service and a parallel “heightened alert” across the Uganda Police Force. For many, the sight of increased patrols and roadblocks is a stark reminder that the “final stretch” of the political season has officially arrived.
Understanding “Standby Class One”
In the hierarchy of Ugandan security protocols, Standby Class One is the ultimate tier of operational readiness. It is a directive that essentially pauses the “civilian” life of a security officer and places the entire institution on a war footing.
Key implications of this status include:
- Cancellation of All Leave: From mid-December 2025 until mid-February 2026, no prison or police officer is permitted to go on leave. Those already on leave have been summarily recalled to their stations.
- Deployment of Full Personnel: Every single officer, including those typically assigned to administrative duties, is required to be in uniform and available for immediate deployment.
- Suspension of External Activities: In the prison sector, the Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, has suspended the “kibarua” system (hiring out prisoner labor to private farms or sites) to ensure all guards are focused on facility security.
A Double-Edged Security Strategy
The government maintains that these measures are essential for a “peaceful and orderly” festive season and election. In a statement issued on December 15, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) emphasized that the convergence of Christmas and the climax of the 2026 campaigns creates a unique set of security risks.
1. The Festive Season Overlay
Uganda’s December is traditionally characterized by massive movements of people, crowded church services, and late-night entertainment events. The police have warned that these gatherings are “soft targets” for both common criminals and potential terror threats. By increasing visibility now, security agencies hope to deter pickpockets, scammers, and any actors intending to cause larger-scale chaos under the cover of holiday celebrations.
2. The Electoral Pressure Cooker
Beyond the holidays, the political climate is nearing a boiling point. The 2026 race sees President Yoweri Museveni seeking another term against a field of seven challengers, most notably the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine).
Recent campaign stops in Gulu, Katakwi, and Kyenjojo have already been marked by standoffs between security forces and opposition supporters. The police argue that the “Standby Class One” status allows them to respond “decisively” to unauthorized processions or incidents of “rowdy” behavior that could lead to property damage or loss of life.
Impact on Prisoners and Families
The heightened security has immediate, practical consequences for the families of the incarcerated. To prevent any security breaches during the sensitive election window, the Uganda Prisons Service has announced a temporary suspension of visitations during high-risk dates:
- December 24–27: Christmas break.
- January 1–4: New Year’s period.
- January 14–16: Polling day and the immediate aftermath.
This move has been met with mixed reactions. While the state argues it is a necessary precaution to prevent the smuggling of contraband or coordination of unrest, human rights advocates suggest it adds an extra layer of emotional hardship for inmates and their families during what should be a season of reconciliation.
The Economic and Civic Climate
The visible presence of the military and police in Kampala’s Central Business District has created a “cautious” business environment. While shops remain open, there is a palpable sense of “business with one eye on the door.”
Investors and analysts have noted that “Standby Class One” status often precedes a tightening of regulatory and civic spaces. Reports of “hotspot mapping” in areas like Masaka, Mbarara, and Jinja suggest that the state is prepared for localized unrest. For the average Ugandan, this means more frequent ID checks, increased traffic stops, and a heavy presence of the “Uniformed Forces” at transport hubs like the Global Bus Park and Link Bus terminal.
The “Peace vs. Liberty” Debate
As with previous election cycles, the debate in the media and Parliament centers on the balance between national security and the right to political expression.
Opposition leaders have criticized the “militarization” of the election, arguing that “Standby Class One” is often used as a tool of intimidation rather than protection. On the other hand, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has called for “professionalism” from security agencies, urging that any use of force must be “lawful, proportionate, and a last resort.”
“We are duty-bound to maintain public order,” the IGP stated. “There can never be elections where there is no peace. The laws of the country are not in abeyance simply because we are in a campaign period.”
Conclusion
As Uganda enters the final ten days of 2025, the “Standby Class One” declaration serves as a definitive signal: the time for political maneuvering is ending, and the time for high-stakes enforcement has begun. Whether this massive deployment will result in the “peaceful transition” promised by the state or serve as a flashpoint for further friction remains to be seen. For now, Ugandans are preparing to celebrate Christmas under the watchful eye of a security force that is very much awake.
