Albertine North passes out 1,872 polling constables ahead of elections
The Albertine North Region has passed out 1,872 polling constables following the successful completion of a ten-day training course aimed at strengthening election security and management.
The pass-out ceremony was held on 18 December 2025 at Kabalega Secondary School in Masindi Municipality. The training, which started on 8 December and ended on 18 December 2025, brought together polling constables from Masindi, Buliisa, and Kiryandongo districts, which make up the Albertine North Region.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Superintendent of Police in charge of Human Resource for Albertine North, SP Onek Ojara, who coordinated the training, assured the guest of honour and invited officials that the constables were fully prepared to manage the upcoming elections.
He explained that the trainees were taken through the police code of conduct, physical fitness training, and operational preparedness required to endure the demanding conditions experienced during the election period.
“We have trained them to be physically fit and disciplined so that they can withstand all situations on the ground throughout the election process,” SP Onek said.
He added that several resource persons were invited to lecture the constables during the training, including Major Kakuru Onesmas, the Political Commissar of Artillery and Returning Officer for Masindi, as well as community policing officers. Inspector of Police Mugisa Solomon, the Community Liaison Officer, trained the constables on public relations, emphasizing the importance of proper conduct while interacting with civilians.
SP Onek noted that the training was intensive, with trainees operating on a tight schedule that involved early morning road runs, classroom instruction, drills, and night sessions. Although the constables were initially divided into three brigades, they were later reorganized by district for easy identification during deployment.
“The constables you see here are 1,872, ready to man all polling stations in the Albertine North Region. Those who were undisciplined were disqualified. I now hand over disciplined personnel ready for duty,” he reported.
The LC1 Chairperson of Biryetega, Francis, commended the Regional Police Commander and trainers for organizing the timely training, noting that it would contribute to peaceful elections. He encouraged the graduates to love their country, respect their colleagues, remain disciplined, and serve the nation wholeheartedly.
Addressing the graduates, Regional Police Commander for Albertine North, SSP Damalie Nachuha, congratulated them and reminded them that discipline remains the foundation of the police institution. She noted that although many had started the training, some were disqualified due to indiscipline.
She praised the instructors for delivering quality training within a short period and expressed confidence that the region would experience peaceful elections due to the preparedness of the constables.
“As you leave these grounds, continue observing discipline. That is the core value of our institution,” SSP Nachuha said.
She warned against malingering and absenteeism, stating that supervisors would continue monitoring the constables in the field and that those found wanting could still be recommended for dismissal. She emphasized physical fitness and resilience, explaining that allowing the constables to stand throughout the ceremony was part of assessing their endurance.
The RPC also cautioned the graduates against drunkenness while in police uniform, saying such behaviour would disqualify them from future opportunities within the police force. She stressed the importance of respecting the uniform and adhering strictly to police standing orders.
SSP Nachuha introduced the District Police Commanders to the graduates and urged them to maintain close guidance and mentorship. She further pledged that certificates would be awarded to all participants.
The graduates were directed to report to their respective District Police Commanders on Monday, 21 December 2025, at exactly 8:00 am, fully dressed in official uniform. She warned that latecomers would be sent away and asked to surrender their uniforms.
The Resident District Commissioner of Masindi, Darius Nandinda, congratulated the graduates and reminded them of the role of the RDC as the President’s representative in the district, responsible for security oversight and monitoring government programs.
He praised SSP Nachuha for her hands-on leadership and commended the Inspector General of Police for establishing Albertine North as a policing region. He reiterated warnings against alcoholism and misconduct, stating that officers found drunk in uniform would face serious consequences.
The RDC encouraged the constables to pursue further education, particularly in science and technical courses, to enhance their future prospects within the security forces and other government institutions. He also urged them to avoid corruption and misuse of office, emphasizing integrity in public service.
The ceremony concluded with a call for the polling constables to perform their duties professionally, uphold discipline, respect the chain of command, and contribute to peaceful and credible elections in the Albertine North Region.
