The Uganda Police Force has announced plans to recruit 100,000 temporary officers, known as Special Police Constables (SPCs), to bolster security at polling stations during the upcoming general election.
Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba revealed that the recruitment drive is already underway, with 10,000 constables currently in training. Once completed, the new intake will push the total police personnel across the country to about 165,000.
While the specific education requirements for this round of recruitment remain unclear, in previous elections candidates were required to have at least a Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) certificate and a clean record.
SPCs usually undergo one to two months of basic training at police training schools before deployment. Their main role has been securing polling stations, often equipped with only uniforms and batons. However, some are retained beyond elections, provided with additional training, armed, and posted to support regular police units.
Byakagaba said the country has been divided into nine zones to streamline election security operations. He further noted that 90 percent of the necessary equipment for the polls has already been procured.
“I want to warn anyone planning to break the law or disrupt the elections—we are ready. We will do whatever it takes to ensure a peaceful process,” he cautioned.
In addition, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) has set up a dedicated command centre to monitor and address any election-related crimes.
