Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has cautioned political actors and their supporters against engaging in violence during the 2026 general elections, warning that security agencies will act firmly to safeguard peace and protect citizens.

Gen Muhoozi made the remarks on Monday while presiding over the decoration ceremony of newly promoted Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya. He stressed that ensuring national stability during the election period is a core responsibility of the armed forces and other security agencies.

“As we move through this election period, our responsibility is clear and non-negotiable,” Gen Muhoozi said. “All security forces must remain vigilant to guarantee a peaceful and secure environment. Any attempt to disrupt peace or threaten the safety of our people will not be tolerated.”

He warned that individuals or groups planning to instigate unrest would be handled decisively but within the confines of the law. According to the CDF, the UPDF and sister security agencies are prepared to deploy all lawful means necessary to prevent election-related violence.

Gen Muhoozi also appealed directly to politicians to conduct their campaigns responsibly and to comply with the rules set by the Independent Electoral Commission (EC). He urged close cooperation between political actors, the EC, and security agencies to ensure the safety of voters and the integrity of the electoral process.
“We call upon all political players to respect the electoral guidelines and work with security agencies. This is in the interest of national stability and the well-being of all Ugandans,” he said.

Addressing voters, Gen Muhoozi encouraged citizens to cast their ballots peacefully and leave polling stations immediately after voting. He dismissed claims that crowds are necessary to protect votes, emphasizing that the counting and tallying process would be transparent.
“Vote counting will be conducted openly, in the presence of candidates’ agents, observers, the media, and other stakeholders,” he said. “There is no justification for people to loiter around polling stations after voting.”

The CDF noted that security agencies would maintain heightened vigilance throughout the election period to counter what he described as “reactionary groups” seeking to exploit political competition to destabilize the country.

Gen Muhoozi underscored that peace and security form the backbone of Uganda’s economic growth and social development, warning that instability could reverse the gains the country has made over the years.

He also highlighted the UPDF’s continued role in promoting regional security, citing ongoing operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Al-Shabaab in Somalia, as well as peace support deployments in South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
“Defending Uganda’s sovereignty remains our primary mission,” Gen Muhoozi said, adding that the UPDF remains committed to regional peace and Pan-African solidarity by contributing to stability beyond Uganda’s borders.