Police have intensified patrols and redeployed officers across major cities and towns as security agencies brace for the Christmas and New Year festivities, which coincide with preparations for the 2026 General Elections.
Addressing the media in Kampala yesterday, police spokesperson, Mr Rusoke Kituuma, said officers had been redeployed from various units based on threat assessments to ensure public safety during the festive period.
‘With only about 10 days to Christmas and roughly 17 days to the New Year 2026, all security agencies are on heightened alert to ensure Ugandans celebrate in a peaceful and orderly manner,’ Mr Rusoke said.
He added that the festive season, marked by travel, family reunions, and public celebrations, often comes with a spike in criminal activity, including theft, house break-ins, and acts of violence. ‘Crime does not occur randomly. It follows identifiable patterns influenced by time and season. During major holidays, particularly in December, property-related crimes such as burglary, shoplifting, and personal theft tend to increase,’ Mr Rusoke said. He said the enhanced deployment is intended to deter crime and swiftly respond to any security threats during what is traditionally a high-risk period. Police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, cautioning against carrying large sums of money or moving with valuable property.
The overlap between the festive season and the election period, police said, presents additional security challenges that require heightened alertness, responsible behaviour and increased situational awareness, particularly on the roads.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Traffic Police and Road Safety has announced stepped-up enforcement during the Christmas period. Traffic police spokesperson Michael Kananura said officers would be deployed on major highways and urban roads to curb crashes.
‘Do not rush. Leave early, drive safely, and arrive home in peace, not in pieces. Stop and stretch every two hours, avoid night driving where possible, stay hydrated, and always wear your seat belt,’ Mr Kananura said, urging the public to cooperate with security personnel to ensure an incident-free festive season.