Thousands of police officers, supported by the military and newly recruited a move the government deems necessary for public safety
The streets of Kampala today present a stark contrast of quiet residential neighborhoods and heavily fortified public squares. As Ugandans return to the polls for the Local Government elections, the city has been transformed into a security stronghold. Thousands of police officers, supported by the military and newly recruited Special Police Constables, have been deployed across the capital to maintain a “secure environment”—a move the government deems necessary for public safety, but which critics describe as a strategy of intimidation.
A City under Watch
From the early hours of Thursday morning, the presence of the Uganda Police Force (UPF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) was unmistakable. Armed patrols, both on foot and in armored vehicles, have become a constant fixture on major thoroughfares such as Entebbe Road, Jinja Road, and the Central Business District.
The deployment follows a period of significant unrest. Just one week ago, the country held its presidential and parliamentary elections, resulting in a seventh term for President Yoweri Museveni. The aftermath was marked by an internet blackout, the detention of opposition figures, and violent clashes in districts like Butambala. Today’s local government elections—where voters choose Mayors, Division Chairpersons, and Councilors—are being held under this heavy shadow.
“Stability, Not Intimidation”
According to Police Spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the massive deployment is a proactive measure designed to prevent a repeat of the violence witnessed during the presidential cycle. Speaking at a press briefing earlier this week, Rusoke emphasized that security forces were tasked with enforcing law and order and protecting the integrity of the polling stations.
“Our visibility on the streets is intended to ensure stability and a secure voting atmosphere,” the police stated. “It is not meant to intimidate law-abiding citizens, but rather to deter those who might seek to disrupt the electoral process through hooliganism or illegal processions.”
To bolster their numbers, the police have integrated thousands of Election Special Police Constables (ESPCs). These constables, who underwent three months of basic training, have been stationed at polling centers to assist with crowd management and voter verification, freeing up regular officers for mobile patrols.
The Opposition’s Perspective
However, the view from the opposition is vastly different. Leaders from the National Unity Platform (NUP) argue that the “overwhelming” security presence is designed to suppress voter turnout and discourage people from “protecting their votes.”
The NUP headquarters in Kavule remains under close surveillance, and the party’s deputy president for the Buganda region, Muwanga Kivumbi, remains in detention following his arrest earlier this week. Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), the NUP leader, has urged his supporters to remain vigilant despite the presence of “guns on every corner.”
“They have turned our democracy into a battlefield,” a NUP official stated anonymously. “When you see soldiers in tactical gear at a primary school polling station, it doesn’t make you feel safe; it makes you want to go home and stay there.”
Turnout and Logistics
The impact of the security climate on voter participation is already becoming evident. Reports from various divisions in Kampala, including Makindye, Rubaga, and Kawempe, indicate a significantly lower turnout compared to last Thursday’s presidential vote.
In many areas, polling officials sat idle for much of the morning. While some delays were attributed to technical failures with the Biometric Voter Verification Machines (BVVM)—reminiscent of the issues faced on January 15—many analysts believe “voter fatigue” and “election anxiety” are the primary culprits.
“People are tired, and they are scared,” said Dr. Sarah Namubiru, a political analyst in Kampala. “The heavy-handedness during the presidential elections left a bitter taste. Many voters feel that the outcome is already decided, and they don’t want to risk being caught in crossfire between protesters and the police.”
Key Security Measures in Effect Today
| Measure | Description |
| Guided Patrols | Joint police and military units patrolling “hotspot” areas in Kampala. |
| Polling Station Security | At least two armed officers stationed at every recognized polling center. |
| Checkpoints | Strategic roadblocks on major entry points to the city to monitor traffic and prevent unauthorized “processions.” |
| Surveillance | Increased use of CCTV networks and aerial drones to monitor crowds in real-time. |
The Tallying Centers
The true test of today’s security strategy will come this evening as polling closes and the counting begins. In previous elections, the Tallying Centers have been the most volatile flashpoints. Opposition candidates for the Kampala Mayoral race have already vowed to be “extra vigilant,” accusing the Electoral Commission of past malpractices.
Police have already issued a stern warning against “unauthorized persons” gathering near tallying centers. They have invoked the Public Order Management Act (POMA) to justify the restriction of movements after 6:00 PM, a move that observers from the African Union and other international bodies have previously criticized as an overreach.
The Broader Implications
As the 2026 electoral cycle draws to a close, the “Kampala Lockdown” raises deeper questions about the future of Ugandan democracy. While the government maintains that peace is the ultimate priority, the reliance on military-grade security to conduct local elections suggests a fragile state of civil affairs.
For the residents of Kampala, today is a day of navigating barricades and avoiding “black spots.” Whether this heavy-handed approach results in a peaceful conclusion to the election or further alienates an already skeptical electorate remains to be seen.
