Uganda’s security forces have issued a strong warning against what they describe as “dangerous and polarising rhetoric” by the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, accusing him of urging supporters to mob polling stations on Election Day and march to Kampala in confrontation with security agencies.
In a statement released by the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, security agencies said they were “deeply concerned” by repeated public remarks allegedly encouraging supporters to overwhelm polling centres and challenge the police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
“Security has noted with concern the continuous rhetoric by the NUP presidential candidate calling upon his supporters to mob polling centres on Election Day, and thereafter march to the Capital Kampala,” Col Magezi said.
“He also encourages his supporters to be prepared to confront the security forces because, in his view, the police and UPDF would be outnumbered on the ground.”
The statement described the language as reckless and inflammatory, warning that it could plunge the country into instability.
“This type of polarising language is very unfortunate indeed. It is ill-advised, toxic, shallow in logic, and dangerous,” Magezi said, adding that the security forces “strongly condemn the spirit and message behind the call, and we contend that this must stop henceforth.”
Security officials cautioned that those who incite violence would not be shielded from the consequences of their actions. “In the worst-case scenario, those who incite violence and promote anarchy in the country by misleading the young of Uganda to violently confront the security forces will themselves not escape the outcome,” the statement warned.
“The net effect will be a futile and zero-sum game with no winners.”
Col Magezi also questioned the suitability of any national leader who undermines the credibility of the country’s security institutions. “Recalling our long history of instability, it is inconceivable that an aspiring national leader would seek to undermine the credibility of the country’s security forces, the foundation upon which everything else thrives,” he said.
Emphasising the capacity of the armed forces, Magezi stated: “The country’s armed forces, and the UPDF in particular, are highly capable, organised, proficient and lethal. There is no threat we cannot deal with, and it will be very bad news for those who do not heed the warnings.”
He further referenced regional armed groups as evidence of the UPDF’s operational strength, saying anyone in doubt “should consult al-Shabaab in Somalia, the ADF and CODECO in the DRC, or Joseph Kony and his defunct LRA in CAR.”
Drawing historical parallels, the statement dismissed what it termed the reckless mobilisation of youth. “The modern-day Alice Lakwena’s, or the Kirumira Mutimas of the Ruwenzori region, have no place in Uganda’s progress and transformational journey,” Magezi said.
Security agencies concluded by urging all political actors to adhere to the law. “We appeal to political leaders to look for votes peacefully and in accordance with the Electoral Commission guidelines and within the confines and spirit of the laws of Uganda,” the statement read.
Speaking at a rally in Mawokota South, Mpigi District, Bobi Wine said, “the regime is afraid of the fact that even after trying to sow seeds of fear within the masses, the spirit of the revolution still stands firm”.
The warning comes amid heightened political tensions as Uganda approaches the next general elections, with repeated calls from authorities for calm, lawful participation in the electoral process.
