HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have commenced patrols in Kampala today amid heightened security concerns ahead of the elections, following warnings of possible chaos and violence linked to disputed results.
UPDF spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi said the patrols, being conducted jointly with the Uganda Police Force, are preventive and should not alarm the public.
“Our objective is to make sure everyone is safe and assured. Public and private property will be kept safe and secure, and any cases of criminality or threats to public order will be dealt with promptly and in compliance with the laws of Uganda,” Col. Magezi said.
He noted that security agencies are taking seriously statements by some political actors and their supporters threatening unrest and violence if election outcomes do not favor them.
According to security officials, leaders and supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), including party president Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, have made remarks suggesting mass action, defiance, and protests should they reject the election results. Authorities say such statements raise the risk of disorder during and after the polls.
Col. Magezi stressed that the UPDF will not tolerate attempts to destabilize the country under the guise of political activity.
“We do not take threats of violence lightly. Anyone found engaging in acts that threaten public order or security will be handled according to the law,” he said.
The UPDF emphasized that the deployments are meant to deter violence, protect lives and property, and ensure a peaceful electoral process, not to target any political group.
Security agencies have urged all political actors and their supporters to remain calm, respect the law, and channel any grievances through lawful mechanisms rather than resorting to chaos.
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