Muhoozi urges voters to maintain order during 2026 elections

The Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has urged citizens to participate in the 2026 presidential elections while advising them to return home immediately after voting and avoid disorder at polling stations. General Kainerugaba, who also serves as Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, made the remarks during a ceremony to confer new ranks on promoted soldiers held on 14 December 2025. He stressed the importance of civic participation but cautioned voters against confrontation or remaining at polling stations after

The Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has urged citizens to participate in the 2026 presidential elections while advising them to return home immediately after voting and avoid disorder at polling stations. General Kainerugaba, who also serves as Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, made the remarks during a ceremony to confer new ranks on promoted soldiers held on 14 December 2025. He stressed the importance of civic participation but cautioned voters against confrontation or remaining at polling stations after casting their ballots. He said maintaining order would help ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process. The CDF assured the public that election security operations would be conducted in a professional and lawful manner to protect election officials, journalists, observers, and voters. He warned that any individuals attempting to disrupt the process would face firm action. “Those who will try to cause trouble, as I have heard some people proclaim, will be dealt with swiftly and decisively, using all tools at our disposal and in accordance with the law,” General Kainerugaba said. He further called on political actors to respect the guidelines of the Independent Electoral Commission and cooperate fully with security agencies. He appealed to voters to cast their ballots peacefully and leave polling stations promptly. General Kainerugaba also thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his leadership, saying it has helped shape the UPDF into a disciplined force that plays a key role in maintaining peace in Uganda and the wider region.