The Chief Political Commissar of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding national stability and protecting the sovereignty of the people as the country prepares for the general presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for Thursday.
Speaking during Spotlight Uganda hosted by NBS Television on Sunday under the theme, ‘Building Trust between Security Agencies and Citizens during Elections’; Masiko emphasised that Uganda remains stable and that the government, together with the country’s security forces, is fully in control of the security situation.
“Uganda is stable. The government and security forces are on top of the situation,” he said, underscoring the preparedness of state institutions to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Masiko further reflected on Uganda’s democratic journey, noting that democracy is still evolving within the country’s historical context.
“Some people don’t know that democracy is a new feature in our life as a country. We’ve not had a long-lasting democratic culture,” he said, calling for patience, civic education, and responsible participation from all stakeholders as the nation continues to consolidate democratic practices.
Masiko reiterated that the UPDF’s role is clearly defined by the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which vests all power in the people.
“Our Constitution provides that all power belongs to the people, and people exercise this power through regular, free, and fair elections. The UPDF’s mandate is to protect this sovereignty of the people,” he said.
