Kampala — The use of a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) truck to ferry supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has sparked controversy in Parliament.
Erute South MP Jonathan Odur demanded clarification on why a military vehicle was used for what appears to be partisan activities.
Odur raised the issue after spotting a photo showing the UPDF truck transporting NRM supporters to an undisclosed location.
“What were the circumstances that necessitated the use of a UPDF truck for partisan transport?” he asked, highlighting fears over the blurring of lines between military operations and political campaigning.
On September 13, National Unity Platform president Robert Kyagulanyi posted on social media two pictures captured by amateur cameras showed a UPDF truck supposedly carrying individuals wearing visible NRM party attires.
Kyagulanyi said the UPDF truck had been pictured in Kampala "ferrying people who are usually paid to attend NRM events".
"Although the law categorically prohibits the use of government resources to support partisan politics, Museveni and his criminal regime will violate every law with impunity because they expect no consequences," he said.
"While they break every law in the book, they go around abducting our supporters, blocking our every legitimate activity... Despite all this, I remain eternally convinced that Museveni, like all despots before him will end up on the dustbin of history."
Minister for General Duties, Justine Kasule Lumumba, responded cautiously, suggesting that the vehicle may have been deployed in response to an emergency.
“There could have been an emergency for the UPDF truck to be used,” Lumumba said, without providing further explanation.
The incident has reignited debates over transparency and accountability in the use of state assets during the election campaign period.
Odur emphasized the need for clear criteria governing access to UPDF transport services, warning that failure to maintain a strict separation between government resources and partisan activities undermines public trust.
As scrutiny grows, Parliament may push for stricter oversight of state resources to prevent their misuse for political purposes, particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.
