Police Threaten to Remove Voters Lingering at Polls by Force

The Uganda Police Force has warned Ugandans against voting and lingering around polling stations, saying those who defy security directives will be forced to leave. 

With days to the 2026 general elections, in which Ugandans will elect leaders from the presidency to local government, both the police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have intensified warnings over possible violence during and after polling and result declarations.

The warning comes amid calls by the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine, and other opposition leaders urging voters to remain at polling stations after voting to guard against alleged vote rigging. However, the Electoral Commission and security agencies have consistently condemned the practice, warning that it could disrupt polling and trigger violence, thereby destabilising the electoral process.

Among senior security officials issuing similar warnings is the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who recently cautioned voters against lingering at polling stations and threatened action against anyone causing disorder. Addressing journalists at Police Headquarters in Naguru, the Inspector General of Police, AIGP Bamunoba Ubaldo, who also serves as the police Chief Political Commissar, reiterated that voters must cast their ballots and leave immediately.

“Some polling stations are in congested areas, making it hard to even have a 20-metre radius. We urge voters to vote and go home to avoid overcrowding, allowing others to cast their ballots. Your job is to vote and leave; the candidates’ agents will ensure the votes are protected,” Bamunoba said.

He cited the Presidential Elections Act, 2005, Section 33 (3)–(4), which provides that voters should queue at least 20 metres from the voting table and that after voting, only election officials, candidates, agents and accredited observers are allowed to remain near the table. Bamunoba added that voters must leave polling premises when directed by security personnel.

“We’ve warned that voters who insist on staying at polling stations after voting will be forced to leave by joint police and UPDF enforcement. Let officials and agents do their job; you’ve done yours, go home and wait for results,” he said.

Recently, Electoral Commission Chairperson Simon Byabakama also recalled that during the 2021 elections, results could not be declared at some polling stations after violence erupted, with people invading stations and destroying election materials.Byabakama added that in some instances, individuals who lingered at polling stations did so to intimidate voters from freely choosing their preferred candidates.Meanwhile, police say heavy security deployments will continue countrywide to prevent anticipated riots. Bamunoba stressed that security agencies are being proactive rather than reactive.

Armoured vehicles and infantry units are already patrolling Kampala jointly with police ahead of the high-stakes elections. The deployments include soldiers, armed and unarmed police officers, as well as Special Constables conducting foot patrols. Asked whether the heavy security presence could intimidate voters, Bamunoba said the focus of the police is to provide security and create a peaceful environment that allows citizens to vote without fear.