Kampala — A CODE of conduct to be strictly followed by all security agencies during the 2006 general elections has been issued.

The pocket-size code of six pages, gives guidelines to security agencies during elections. It demands neutrality from security agencies and calls for professionalism.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, launched the "Code of Conduct for Security Personnel During an Electoral Process" at Hotel Africana, kampala yesterday, saying it would be implemented without fear or favour.

The code bans security personnel from overtly participating in partisan political activities, influencing voters, entering the perimeter for secret voting, according unequal treatment to parties and holding a post in any political party.

The code demands that security personnel must be alert and sober while on duty. They must be smart/presentable, carry authentic IDs, must not deploy themselves nor leave duty centres before the end of the exercise. They must keep records of all occurrences, handle election-related cases expeditiously and allow accredited local and international observers carry on their duties.

Security forces must refrain from acting on people's emotions or sentiments, refrain from making demeaning and provocative statements and not harass nor intimidate voters.

The code was designed by the Election Security Coordinating Committee with sponsorship from the Election Support Unit of the Partners for Democracy and Governance.

The IGP chairs its implementation at national level, RPCs at regional level while DPCs at district level.

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Nyakairima Aronda, the commander of the Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Katumba Wamala, the Commissioner of Prisons, Dr Johnson Byabashaija, Electoral Commissioner Joseph Biribonwa and heads of security and intelligence forces attended.

Kayihura said the code was necessary against accusations that security agencies transgressed in the past elections. "We want to ensure that security agencies operate under the law. If they don't, the Commissioner General of Prisons will lock them up," he added.

He said the guidelines focus on six principles, respect for the constitution, neutrality, discipline, effective coordination, professional conduct and a pro-active approach.