To ensure a safe and well-organised 2026 general election, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, has introduced a new security structure that divides the country into nine Electoral Policing Zones. Each zone will be managed by a senior police commander, tasked with overseeing election security operations in their designated regions.
This move is part of a broader police strategy to manage potential election-related threats, maintain public order, and uphold the rule of law throughout the electoral period, including both political party primaries and national voting exercises.
Why This Matters
With political tensions rising ahead of the 2026 polls, the Police Force aims to take a proactive stance. The new zonal structure is designed to coordinate regional security more effectively, respond quickly to electoral disturbances, and engage with political actors to promote peaceful campaigning.
The Newly Created Electoral Policing Zones and Their Commanders
The Busoga Zone, headquartered in Jinja, will be commanded by AIGP Kafero Moses Kabugo and covers Busoga North, Busoga East, Kiira, and Sezibwa.
The Northern Zone, based in Gulu, will be headed by AIGP Tanui Stephen and includes Aswa West, Aswa East, West Nile, and North West Nile.
The Karamoja Zone, headquartered in Moroto, will be led by CP Lawot Patrick and covers Mt Moroto, Kidepo, Elgon, Sipi, Bukedi South, and Bukedi North.
The Kyoga Zone, based in Soroti, will be commanded by CP Nkore Paul and encompasses North Kyoga, East Kyoga, and South Kyoga.
The Central Zone, headquartered in Masaka, will be overseen by CP Maate Godfrey Bolingo and covers Masaka West, Masaka East, Wamala, and Katonga.
The Albertine Zone, based in Hoima, will be led by CP Muluya Moses and includes Albertine South, Albertine North, and Savannah.
The Kampala Metropolitan Zone, headquartered in Kampala, will be under the command of CP Ecega Richard and covers KMP North, KMP South, and KMP East.
The South Western Zone, based in Mbarara, will be managed by CP Kulaigye Hillary and comprises Rwizi, Kigezi, and Greater Bushenyi.
The Rwenzori Zone, headquartered in Fort Portal, will be commanded by CP Namuwoza Dennis and covers Rwenzori East and Rwenzori West.
Police Response to Rising Electoral Tensions
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma recently raised alarms over increasing political hostility. Reports have surfaced of violent attacks and road ambushes, vandalism of vehicles, defamation on radio stations, use of loudspeakers to disrupt rival rallies, and hiring of goons to intimidate opponents.
To counter these threats, police have mapped electoral hotspots, increased public engagement, and stepped up enforcement. In some districts, unlawful gatherings have been broken up and arrests made.
IGP Byakagaba has personally toured high-risk areas like Sembabule, Mbarara, Isingiro, Kabale, Rukiga, and Rukungiri, where he met with candidates, security committees, and leaders, especially from the ruling NRM party, to reinforce law and order guidelines during elections.
