By Mukembo Wilfred
The Inspector General of Police Martin Okoth Ochola has described the 2021 general elections as the most successful and peaceful elections so far in Uganda’s history.
Addressing the media together with the minister for internal affairs Gen. Jeje Odongo, Ochola said the country during the Presidential and Parliamentary elections, only registered a total of 250 election-related offenses were registered in the country. And out of the 28 Policing Regions, 05 did not register any major incident. These include Kidepo, Mt. Moroto, Sipi, Ssezibwa, and West Nile.
He asserted that the Local Council elections have so far been successful which makes the entire process so far successful and peaceful despite the anticipated threats of “Plan B
“By all measures, the 2021 General Elections in Uganda, will go down in history as one of the most successful and peaceful Election. Despite the anticipated threats of “Plan B “, threats of violence by radicalized groups promoting hate speech and rhetoric, Ugandan voters were pleased with our security posture across the country and turned out in record numbers to cast their votes.” Said Ochola
He also cautioned disgruntled former presidential candidates that are inciting the public with false information in abide to influence public perception and promoted hate to stop it and instead seek redress to competent courts of law.
“Although our risk assessment of the post-election violence and related vulnerabilities have reduced, we are aware of alarming assertions by disgruntled former Presidential candidates, that the election was marred with fraud and irregularities. They are spreading false information and disinformation to try to influence public perception and promote hatred.
From a security point of view, such unfounded claims have a potential of fanning violence in our communities. We do strongly discourage such acts and advise the candidates to seek redress before the courts of law.
As we draw towards the end of the Elections, our enforcement actions are still on. We continue to employ effective measures on levels of vigilance and alertness as we monitor all forms of threats.
we are very firm on the ground and would like to reassure all Ugandans and visitors to our country to remain confident and steadfast. They should also obtain information on the Electoral process from trusted sources and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police unit.” Said Ochola
