The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has reassured the people of Bunyoro and the entire country of its readiness to ensure a peaceful and secure 2026 general election.
Brigadier General Irumba Tingira, a senior officer in the Bunyoro UPDF election cluster, gave the assurance on Saturday while delivering a Shs1 million pledge from Major General David Isimbwa—the head of the Bunyoro UPDF election cluster—to the Hoima Media Sacco at their offices in Hoima Central Market.
Brigadier Tingira said the army and other security agencies were prepared to protect citizens, property, and national infrastructure throughout the election period.
“As security, we are ready to ensure a peaceful election exercise. We will protect people, property, and the nation. But we also ask Ugandans to protect the development gains achieved under the current government. Any chaos can endanger the progress made so far,” he said.
He added that beyond their election preparedness, the UPDF continues to support community development initiatives, including savings and credit groups such as the Hoima Media Sacco.
Tingira, who previously donated a computer and an office chair to the Sacco, emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in strengthening such organizations.
“If you want to grow the Sacco, accountability and transparency among members is vital. Members can only trust a system where things are done openly. You can’t grow without members, and you need them to save and borrow confidently,” he advised.
On behalf of the Sacco, Secretary Leilah Bbaale thanked Major General Isimbwa and Brigadier Tingira for their consistent support, saying it had inspired local media professionals to work collectively towards financial empowerment.
“We started small, but we are now growing. Our goal is to make Hoima Media Sacco a model in the Bunyoro sub-region. We want more media practitioners to join and even attract benchmarking from other regions. We are grateful for the mentorship we receive from UPDF officers and Wazalendo Sacco,” Bbaale said.
She added that the Sacco would ensure accountability for every coin and any form of support received to build trust and sustainability.
The UPDF reiterated its message of peace, urging all Ugandans to cooperate with security agencies to maintain stability as the country heads toward the 2026 polls.