RDCs and RCCs ordered to remain at duty stations on polling day

_____________________
UGANDA DECIDES 2026

All resident district commissioners (RDCs), resident city commissioners (RCCs), their deputies and assistants have been ordered to remain at their duty stations throughout the general election period.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo says the decision emphasises the importance of their presence in ensuring seamless co-ordination with security teams.

Briefing the media in Soroti City on Election Day Eve (January 14), she said RDCs play a crucial role in maintaining order and security on polling day.

Alupo said recent reports of some RDCs leaving their designated areas to campaign for specific candidates are unacceptable and contrary to the regulations.

“All the RDCs, RCCs and their deputies, along with their assistants, must remain in their districts of deployment so that they exercise their roles and responsibilities of ensuring that security in their respective areas is update working with all the teams in their districts."

Registered voters will begin by electing their next president and Members of Parliament on Thursday (January 15), before moving on to other elective positions in subsequent weeks — all the way until February 6.

Safety guaranteed

The Vice-President dismissed rumours regarding government-installed cameras intended to monitor voters at polling stations, labelling such claims as unfounded propaganda that should be ignored.

She reassured citizens that their safety is guaranteed throughout the election process, highlighting that over 21 million voters are expected to cast their votes for the president and parliamentary candidates.

Alupo encouraged the public to approach security personnel with confidence, noting they are fulfilling their regular duties to ensure a safe voting environment.

Accompanied by National Resistance Movement (NRM) party national vice-chairperson for the eastern region, David Calvin Echodu, she reported that the region remains largely peaceful, except a tragic incident in Orungo, Amuria district, where one life was lost.

Alupo also expressed her condolences regarding a separate incident in Kamuda, where a woman was killed, assuring the grieving family that the government would provide compensation.

In a related development, the Soroti City Security Committee has temporarily closed Arapai cattle market on polling day to facilitate the voting process.

RCC John Michael Okurut conveyed this decision during a press conference held at Eneku training village in Soroti City on Wednesday.

He confirmed that operations at the cattle market would resume as usual the Thursday following the elections.