The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has issued a stern warning against individuals plotting election-related violence ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Acting Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, the commandant of the First Infantry Division, made the statement while presiding over a security meeting at the Mukono Resident District Commissioner’s gardens.
The meeting brought together National Resistance Movement (NRM) politicians, religious leaders, and local government officials. During the discussions, several politicians raised concerns about pressure groups allegedly formed by opposition supporters. The groups—known as Ggaali (Luganda for “bicycle”) are said to act as vote-protection units and human rights advocates.
However, some NRM members claim these groups have become violent. Faridah Zawedde, an NRM mobilizer from Kyampisi, alleged that members of the Ggaali group in her area had engaged in criminal acts targeting NRM supporters, especially at night.
“One of our mobilisers died from injuries sustained in an attack, while another is still in hospital,” Zawedde said, although she did not provide the names of the victims. She added,
“It is actually becoming hard for us to dress in the yellow colours of our party, the NRM. Our opponents treat us as enemies and are determined to undress us.”
We could not independently verify these claims. In response, Mugerwa warned that such acts would not be tolerated. He referenced an incident in Kawempe, where residents allegedly provoked security forces during polling day, resulting in retaliation.
“Whoever dreams of disorganizing elections by inciting insecurity of any kind will be in for a surprise. The UPDF will not just sit and watch. Anyone planning election-related insecurity is joking,” he said. “We rely on the people’s support and love for the government to maintain harmony during the elections.”
Mukono Division Police Commander SSP Bernard Mugerwa acknowledged growing concerns over election-related insecurity and revealed that the police have launched voter sensitization efforts to promote peaceful participation.
He added that the First Infantry Division would continue conducting security assessments across its area of operation, which includes Bunyoro, Busoga, and Buganda regions. He urged residents to report any suspicious activity to authorities.
“Yes, we acknowledge there are pockets of undisciplined soldiers, but they’re easy to deal with when civilians cooperate. From today, wherever you find a police officer, a soldier will be nearby,” he said.
Despite the push for closer coordination between security forces and local communities, some local leaders especially LC I chairpersons expressed concern over what they viewed as an overreach by the military.
“We shall continue working with the police. In case of any need, let the police contact you, not us. We are not used to working with the army on local matters,” said Angello Mukasa, LC I chairperson of Bajjo.
Nonetheless, Mugerwa insisted that joint security coordination was already underway and necessary to ensure peace in the run-up to the 2026 general elections.
UPDF, please remain in the barracks during the electoral process. Elections are a democratic exercise—not a battlefield. We are tired of violence against civilians. Your strength and training should be reserved for confronting threats like the ADF, not peaceful voters.
IDDLE MINDS ARE DEVILS WORKSHOP. UPDF SHOULD KNOW ITS PARAMETERS BUT NOT BECOMING STOOGES
I saw this coming from the government initiative to restore subcounty policing. They pushed the police Force’s capacity to the extreme. Now that manpower of the police is inefficient in the metropolitan, instead of conscription of other jobless youth into the force, they invite the Army. Politics of warmongering.
So when the so called ADF attacks or any other security incident occurs where is the UPDF cos most of them are already busy defending neighboring countries? What is the role of the police? The army is not supposed to be seen in the public. Their place is in the barracks. Right now the army running the country it has even taken over civilian jobs. They are into construction, Parliament, civil service and soon they will be in hospitals and carrying out operations on patients
So why would an army officer attend the NRM forum? in what capacity did he attend, he should be disciplined for being partisan.
Do not forget that UPDF, M7 and NRM is a family fighting for its rights and survival at any cost. So where is he going to be disciplined?
So then what message is being sent to the Uganda electorate with such a brutal military dictatorship in the leadership of this country?
Do not say we did not warn you. It is imperative that this time round, the Ganda tribes people must not participate in such violent, rigged and not free and fair national elections if they want to win back their Ganda territories.
NRM government staffed each and every position with Wester, see how they are stack with the name Mugerwa, SEP Mugerwa, Maj Gen Mugerwa. They trying to famentate one man into many of different capacities, for people to think like there were some baganda in some offices. Now some lwananka’s are starting adopt names in order to curry out threats peacefully .