Agency
The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has begun preparations to recruit 100,000 Special Police Constables (SPCs) to be deployed at polling stations nationwide in the general elections to be held in January next year.
The recruitment drive, announced by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba, has already commenced with the identification and training of police personnel who will oversee the recruitment exercise across the country.
According to IGP Byakagaba, all polling station personnel will be recruited and deployed in their areas of residence to ensure orderliness inside polling stations on voting days.
Justice Simon Byabakama, the head of the Electoral Commission, notes that Uganda currently has 34,344 polling stations.
To qualify as an SPC, applicants must possess a National Identity (ID) card and a recommendation from their local council chairperson, confirming residency in the area where they will be deployed.
Additionally, candidates must have a clean criminal record, be physically and mentally fit, possess good communication skills, and have at least a primary seven education.
For the 2026 elections, the revised public service salary scale means each SPC will earn 460,000 Shillings per month, raising the total wage bill to 46 billion Shillings monthly and 138 billion Shillings for the 90-day deployment.
