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The National Security Mobilisation Task Force for the Bunyoro cluster has convened to develop strategies aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly 2026 general election.

The strategic meeting took place on October 19, 2025, at Kontiki Hotel in Hoima City. It was chaired by Maj. Gen. David Isimbwa Abwooli, the Deputy Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Air Force and head of the Bunyoro cluster. The session brought together UPDF generals who serve as district cluster heads, regional police commanders, and intelligence officers.

Among the key participants were Brig. Gen. Omero Tingira Irumba Ateenyi, the Kikuube District cluster head and Defence and Security Advisor in Sudan (Khartoum); Brig. Gen. Akiiki Rugadya, head of the Masindi cluster; Brig. Gen. Ronald Bigirwa Abwooli, in charge of the Hoima City cluster; and Cpt. Patrick Katusabe Atwokki, who leads the media and ICT team, among others.

Addressing the press after the meeting, Maj. Gen. Isimbwa Abwooli said the task force will enhance coordination among security agencies and engage relevant stakeholders to prevent potential risks such as political violence, misinformation, and electoral disputes.

He highlighted several key strategies discussed during the meeting, including risk analysis, inter-agency training, public sensitisation, conflict-sensitive planning, establishment of dispute resolution mechanisms, media engagement, and identifying potential hotspots for unrest.

Maj. Gen. Isimbwa emphasised that these measures are designed to promote a safe and transparent electoral process through proactive coordination and effective risk management.

He further revealed that security agencies would begin early preparations in partnership with the police, ensuring deployments are made from the regional level down to sub-counties to maintain peace before, during, and after the elections.

“We are going to engage everyone — district security committees, operational units, and other security agencies — with the police taking the lead. Our goal is to ensure that what happens in other regions does not happen here,” he explained.

He also called on the police and other security organs to be fully prepared to guarantee a secure environment in which every registered voter can freely exercise their right to vote without intimidation.

Maj. Gen. Isimbwa urged political candidates to comply with electoral laws to ensure the process remains peaceful, fair, and credible. He assured the public that security forces will remain non-partisan and protect all citizens regardless of political affiliation.

On the issue of youth involvement in election-related violence, Maj. Gen. Isimbwa cautioned political leaders to be mindful of their influence and the messages they share with young people.

“I will not blame the youth for being the source of violence; often, it is the leaders who mislead them. The youth respond positively when guided properly. We have engaged them in other areas, and they have shown great potential and expectation,” he said.

He encouraged leaders to channel youth energy towards productive government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model, Youth Livelihood Programme, and Emyooga, rather than exploiting them for destructive purposes.

“Elections will come and go, but Uganda will remain our shared home. We must focus on what unites us, not what divides us,” he concluded.

Maj. Gen. Isimbwa also appealed to media practitioners to uphold professionalism and integrity, urging them to avoid bias and misinformation that could trigger tensions or incite violence during the electoral period.