As the 2026 general elections approach, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) have intensified their efforts to combat election-related crimes.
In a joint press conference held at the CID Headquarters in Kibuli on Tuesday, AIGP Major Tom Magambo, Director of CID, and DPP Jane Frances Abodo issued a stern warning to individuals planning to disrupt the electoral process, emphasising that they will face the full force of the law.
AIGP Magambo assured the public that his team, in collaboration with the DPP’s office, is committed to ensuring a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
He made it clear that any attempts to incite chaos or anarchy would not be tolerated, stressing that their approach is strictly legal and non-partisan.
“We will not sit down and smile as they burn the city. If you are planning anarchy, then prepare yourself,” Magambo warned, underscoring the seriousness of their mission to uphold law and order.
Both Magambo and Abodo highlighted the importance of close coordination between investigators and prosecutors in addressing complex crimes such as corruption, land disputes, and electoral offences, including malpractice, election fraud, violence, and intimidation.
They stressed that the current nature of crime demands a collaborative approach to ensure effective enforcement.
Abodo reaffirmed the DPP’s commitment to handling all criminal matters impartially, regardless of political affiliation.
She also stressed the importance of distinguishing between civil and criminal matters, particularly in land disputes.
The press conference was a precursor to a two-day inaugural meeting between the CID and DPP, where President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to be the Chief Guest.
The meeting aims to strengthen coordination, collaboration, and cooperation for successful prosecutions in sophisticated, high-profile cases.
Under the theme “The Contribution of ODPP/CID in the Social Economic Transformation of Uganda,” the meeting will involve 620 participants, including investigators, prosecutors, and key stakeholders in the criminal justice system.
Abodo noted that the event will equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to investigate and prosecute complex criminal cases, particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
The move comes against the backdrop of previous elections, where opposition politicians have faced significant challenges with law enforcement, including the teargassing of supporters, the dispersal of meetings, and allegations of brutality.
During the 2021 elections, at least 154 cases were filed in courts of law, alleging that the elections were not free and fair.
This time, the DPP and CID are determined to ensure that justice is served and that the upcoming elections are conducted smoothly and transparently.
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