Extensive training in Public Order Management has been credited for the calm and orderly atmosphere witnessed during the ongoing election campaign period.

Unlike the 2020 presidential campaign which was marred by violent clashes between police and political groups, this year’s campaign trail has remained largely peaceful. One of the most chaotic moments in 2020 occurred on November 18, when Bobi Wine was arrested in Luuka District while campaigning, sparking widespread protests that led to deaths and injuries across the country.

During those protests, security forces resorted to using live ammunition, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse demonstrators, leaving at least 50 people dead and many others wounded.

Addressing journalists at the Police Headquarters in Naguru earlier today, Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke reported that the ongoing presidential campaigns have so far been free of major confrontations, with only minor misunderstandings being recorded.

He explained that despite pressure from campaign teams and members of the public, police officers have remained composed, thanks to the consistent supervision and guidance provided by zonal commanders and Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) officers.

According to Kituuma, the current calm is largely attributed to the deliberate and thorough training officers received ahead of the campaign season. The training, he said, emphasized communication, negotiation, and tolerance, skills that have enabled officers to handle interactions with political groups more constructively.

“The 2021 election was an eye-opener. Police could not afford to repeat the same mistakes. We concentrated on training our officers, particularly junior personnel prone to overreaction, to remain calm while enforcing Public Order Management measures. Most errors we previously observed were unnecessary in many situations.”

Kituuma also pointed out that the Inspector General of Police’s nationwide engagements with district commanders and Regional Police Commanders (RPCs) have played a significant role in ensuring impartiality among officers.

“He has implemented significant changes in the command structure, which have worked well. You have seen the deployment of different commanding forces, including zonal commanders, CID zonal commanders, and intelligence services. These are effective measures in place,” Kituuma noted.

Meanwhile, police have issued a warning to parliamentary aspirants against campaigning before the official start date of November 10, as announced by the Electoral Commission. Kituuma cautioned that any candidate found engaging in early campaigns will face arrest.

He further stressed that collaboration between political aspirants and law enforcement remains vital to avoiding violence and maintaining public order.