Heavily armed troops from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have been deployed in the capital Kampala in the lead-up to the January 15 presidential and parliamentary elections.
Officials say the deployment aims to protect voters, public property, and the integrity of the electoral process.
Colonel Chris Magezi, the acting defence and military spokesperson, assured the public that there is no cause for alarm, stressing that the UPDF is working alongside police to prevent threats of violence by political actors or their supporters.
“Cases of criminality or threats to public order will be dealt with promptly and in compliance with the laws of Uganda,” he said.
The deployment, with armoured personal carriers, extends to cities like Mbale, Jinja, Arua, and Gulu and stretches to major urban centres such as Kasese.
The 2026 elections will see Ugandans vote for multiple positions, including the presidency, parliamentary seats, and local council posts.
President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is seeking another term, facing stiff competition from opposition leaders such as Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Museveni has remained in power for nearly four decades, overseeing periods of economic growth and infrastructural development.
However, his administration has faced repeated accusations of suppressing political dissent and curbing opposition activities.
In the 2021 elections, Museveni secured 58.64% of the vote, defeating Kyagulanyi, who captured 34.83%.
Analysts note that opposition parties have steadily gained support in urban and peri-urban areas, turning certain districts into highly contested battlegrounds.
The pre-election deployment of military forces is consistent with past elections, during which heavy security presence has been used to deter unrest and protect polling stations.
With just five days to polling day, political tensions remain high, and security forces have pledged to ensure that citizens can vote safely.
The coming week is expected to test both the country’s electoral institutions and the ability of voters to exercise their rights in a peaceful environment.
