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Uganda Police to Recruit 100,000 Officers for 2026 Elections
The Uganda Police Force has announced plans to recruit 100,000 temporary officers to bolster security ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba revealed the plan on Friday, September 27, 2025, noting that 10,000 constables have already been recruited and are currently undergoing training. He said the mass recruitment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the force’s capacity during the election period. Once completed, the exercise is expected to bring the total number of police personnel to approximately 165,000.
The new recruits will serve as Special Police Constables (SPCs), a category of temporary officers typically deployed to support regular police during major national events such as elections.
Historically, SPC applicants are required to hold at least a Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) certificate and must have a clean criminal record. Training typically lasts between one and two months, after which officers are deployed—mainly to polling stations and other strategic locations.
While most SPCs are issued only uniforms and batons, a number have previously been retained after elections, provided additional training, and assigned firearms to assist in regular policing duties.
In preparation for the 2026 elections, the government has increased the monthly allowance for SPCs from UGX 440,000 to UGX 469,000. Additionally, the Police Force has requested nearly UGX 20 billion to cover personnel costs, aiming to avoid a repeat of the 2021 situation, when nearly 50,000 SPCs staged protests over delayed and incomplete payments. Some reportedly withheld police equipment until their allowances were fully settled.
The large-scale recruitment highlights the government’s push to ensure enhanced security and order during the upcoming election cycle.
