With just days remaining before Ugandans head to the polls to elect their next president and Members of Parliament, the atmosphere across the country, especially in Kampala and other major urban centres, is thick with tension.
Streets once bustling with everyday commerce now echo with the heavy footsteps of armed military personnel and police officers deployed in unprecedented numbers.
Armoured vehicles and gun-toting soldiers stand guard, patrolling major streets, alleys and intersections. To the casual observer, particularly first-time visitors, the scene evokes the image of a nation bracing for war, not preparing for a democratic election.
This level of militarisation has become a hallmark of Uganda’s election cycles under President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking another term in office.
In power since 1986, Museveni continues to project an image of strength and control, even as opposition figures and civil society groups raise alarm over the increasingly authoritarian tone of the campaign season.
“No Cause for Alarm”, Says Military—But Citizens Are Frightened
Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Defence Forces Spokesperson, took to social media this week in an attempt to calm public nerves.
“There is no cause for alarm,” Col. Magezi stated. “However, we do not take threats of violence during the election period by some political actors and their supporters lightly.”
He emphasised that the military’s presence was purely precautionary and aimed at ensuring “the safety and security of all citizens and protection of public and private property.”
“Cases of criminality or threats to public order will be dealt with promptly and in compliance with the laws of Uganda,” Magezi added.
The Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, echoed these sentiments during a meeting with religious leaders and political party representatives at the Inter-Religious Council offices in Mengo.
“Our role is to create an environment that allows the Electoral Commission to carry out its duties,” Byakagaba said. “Beyond electioneering activities, we continue to uphold law and order. If anyone threatens individuals, that’s no longer politics—it’s criminality. And we will act.”
Museveni’s Ultimatum: “Whoever Tries to Destabilise Uganda Will Regret It”
President Museveni issued a stark warning to his political opponents, particularly to long-time rival and leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Bobi Wine, who is again challenging him for the presidency.
“You should all go out and vote,” Museveni declared. “No one will destabilise Uganda. Whoever tries will regret it.”
“Museveni Isn’t Leaving Power—Don’t Even Think It”
Adding fuel to the fire, Special Presidential Assistant Yiga Kisakyamukama made headlines with a blistering public statement in an interview with the Daily Monitor.
“Vote and go home,” Kisakyamukama said. “Don’t even think on a single day that the Electoral Commission chairman, Justice Simon Byabakama, will announce Bobi Wine as the winner of the January 15 presidential polls. Never think that President Museveni will leave this power by voting. Don’t waste our time.”
