Uganda Prisons Service Placed on Highest Alert Ahead of 2026 Elections
In a significant move to bolster national security during a critical period, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has directed the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) to be placed under Standby Class One from December 15, 2025, to February 15, 2026. This order institutes the highest state of operational readiness within the country’s uniformed services for a two-month duration encompassing the festive season and the pivotal January 2026 general elections.
What Standby Class One Means
Standby Class One represents the apex of alertness for Uganda’s security institutions. Its declaration mandates that the entire UPS—from national headquarters to all prison facilities across the country—enter a state of maximum preparedness. This status requires personnel and units to be on high alert, with enhanced readiness to deploy and respond “swiftly to any security threat, emergency, or unusual situation.” The move effectively mobilizes the prisons service as a key component of the national security apparatus beyond its traditional custodial role.
Aiming at a Politically Sensitive Period
The timing of this directive underscores its strategic purpose. Uganda is on the countdown to nationwide elections on January 15, 2026, where citizens will vote for a new president, members of parliament, and local government leaders. This period is historically marked by heightened political activity and requires robust security coordination to ensure public order.
The extended alert window also covers the December festive season, which often sees increased public movement and gatherings, followed immediately by the final, intense weeks of the election campaign and the post-election phase.
Prisons Commissioner General Issues Directives
Following the order, the Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, has issued a detailed press statement to all prison units. He has commanded them to:
- Intensify security within and around all prison facilities.
- Enhance intelligence gathering efforts.
- Strengthen coordination with sister security and intelligence agencies, including the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Dr. Byabashaija directed that these heightened measures remain in force for the specified two months “until they receive other orders.”
Analysis: A Coordinated Security Strategy
Security analysts view this directive as part of a broader, integrated strategy to secure the electoral process. Placing the UPS on Standby Class One ensures that the entire chain of uniformed services is synchronized at peak readiness. It mitigates potential risks that could stretch security forces thin and signals a government-wide commitment to maintaining stability during a volatile political calendar.
The move highlights the evolving role of the Uganda Prisons Service as a critical pillar in national security planning, especially during times of heightened national importance. All eyes will now be on the seamless implementation of these measures as the country navigates the coming critical weeks.
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