HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has issued a stern warning to Robert Kyagulanyi, the President of the National Unity Platform (NUP), over divisive talk.
This followed remarks he reportedly made at a rally in Kawempe, urging supporters to “act like rebels,” claiming that they could “outnumber the security forces.”
UPDF spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi said such language is unacceptable and puts the country at risk.
“This kind of rhetoric from the NUP presidential candidate is extremely unfortunate. It is reckless, toxic, shallow in logic, and dangerous,” he said, adding that the security forces totally condemn the spirit and message behind those statements, and this must stop immediately.
He cautioned that those who encourage confrontations with security forces would bear responsibility for the consequences.
“In the worst-case scenario, anyone who incites young people into violence will not escape the results,” he warned. “It becomes a zero-sum situation with no winners, and the world today offers many examples of how such chaos ends.”
Magezi added that Uganda’s painful past should have taught leaders the value of stability.
“Given our long history of turmoil, it is shocking that someone seeking national leadership would try to undermine the credibility of the country’s security forces, which are the foundation on which everything else stands,” he said.
He emphasized that the UPDF is fully prepared to handle any threat.
“The armed forces, especially the UPDF, are capable, organized, and lethal. There is no threat we cannot deal with, and it will end badly for those who ignore this reality,” he said.
Col. Magezi urged Bobi Wine to reflect on the fate of armed groups the UPDF has battled over the years.
“If he doubts our ability, let him consult al-Shabaab in Somalia, the ADF and CODECO in the DRC, or Joseph Kony’s LRA in the Central African Republic,” he said.
He likened the alleged comments to past cult-like movements that misled youth into violence.
“Modern-day versions of Alice Lakwena or the Kirumira Mutima groups have no place in Uganda’s progress,” Magezi said.
The UPDF called on all political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect election guidelines.
“Leaders should seek votes peacefully, within the law, and in line with Electoral Commission rules,” Magezi added.
The army’s statement followed growing debate on social media after footage emerged showing Bobi Wine urging supporters to behave “like rebels.” NUP has denied the accusations, with Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi challenging Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda—who posted the clip—to provide full context.
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