Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba Talks Tough On Foreign Infiltrators, As10,000 UPDF Recruits Graduate

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba

HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I  Uganda’s enemies could be operating from within the country under the influence of foreign interests, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba warned on Thursday, declaring that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) will remain on high alert against what he described as infiltrators determined to undermine the country’s sovereignty, independence and development.

Speaking during the pass-out ceremony of more than 10,000 UPDF recruits at the Kaweweta Basic Military Training School, Gen. Muhoozi painted a picture of a country that is largely peaceful but still vulnerable to individuals allegedly working on behalf of external actors seeking to influence Uganda’s affairs.

“I wish to reassure and inform the country that Uganda is peaceful, secure, and thriving; however, what is also true is that we have to deal with the fifth column of neocolonialist sympathizers and agents of foreign interests who are intent on sabotaging our national independence and development,” Gen. Muhoozi said.

His remarks suggested that while Uganda faces no immediate conventional military threat, security agencies remain concerned about what he described as hidden actors advancing foreign agendas from within the country.

Negative elements

Without identifying specific individuals, organisations or countries, the Chief of Defence Forces said the military was aware of attempts to destabilise Uganda through local collaborators.

“We are very aware of the insidious machinations of negative elements against our country, but the good news is that we will not permit their shenanigans,” he said.

Gen. Muhoozi vowed that the UPDF would firmly confront anyone found working against Uganda’s national interests, insisting that foreign actors would not be allowed to shape the country’s future.

“We can’t and shall not tolerate agents of foreign interests who secretly work to undermine the country’s progress. We will never allow agents of foreign interest to demoralize and demobilize the patriotic and nationalistic spirit of Ugandans,” he said.

He added that the military’s foremost responsibility remains the protection of Uganda’s sovereignty and ensuring that national decisions are made by Ugandans rather than outside forces.

“We shall not allow foreign interests to determine our national narrative,” he said, emphasizing that the country’s independence must be defended against any external interference.

National security paramount

Gen. Muhoozi further warned that national security could also be weakened by impunity among certain individuals within the country’s political and media circles if such conduct advances interests contrary to Uganda’s development agenda.

He stressed that the UPDF would continue acting to ensure that no one undermines the country’s national interests.

The Chief of Defence Forces linked security to Uganda’s broader economic ambitions, arguing that peace and stability are prerequisites for sustained development.

He expressed optimism that the country remains on course to achieve its Vision 2040 target of growing the economy to US$500 billion.

“With the new group of leaders in Cabinet and Parliament, we are quite optimistic that Uganda is firmly on track to achieve its target of a US$500 billion economy by 2040. As the UPDF, we will do our part to achieve this goal,” he said.

High training capacity

President Yoweri Museveni presided over the colourful ceremony after inspecting the parade mounted by the recruits, who completed months of basic military training before being formally passed out into the armed forces.

The event also brought together recruits from multiple military training centres through virtual platforms, underscoring the UPDF’s expanding training capacity.