In a recent session, Parliament declined the Uganda People's Defence Force's (UPDF) request for Shs138.4 billion intended to bolster security during the 2026 general elections. Lawmakers emphasized that election security is primarily the responsibility of the Uganda Police Force and suggested reallocating any such funds to the police.
The UPDF, through the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, had proposed this budget to ensure the safety of Members of Parliament, presidential candidates, and the general populace during the election period.
Permanent Secretary Rosette Byengoma highlighted the necessity of these funds for procuring essential logistics to protect aspirants in the upcoming elections.
However, some MPs voiced concerns that involving the military in election security could lead to the militarization of the electoral process. They argued that the police should be adequately funded and equipped to handle election-related security matters.
This development comes as the Electoral Commission projects a total expenditure of Shs1.3 trillion for organizing the 2026 general elections, a significant increase from previous
The debate underscores the ongoing discourse about the appropriate roles of security agencies in Uganda's electoral processes and the importance of maintaining a balance to ensure free and fair elections.
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