The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has cautioned the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine against what it describes as “incendiary and divisive” statements that could inflame tensions ahead of the 2026 general election.
In a statement issued Thursday, Col Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, said security agencies had noted “with concern” repeated calls by Kyagulanyi urging supporters to “mob polling centres” on election day and later march to Kampala.
Magezi said such mobilisation amounted to encouraging confrontation with security forces.
“This type of polarising language is very unfortunate indeed. It is ill advised, toxic, shallow in logic, and dangerous,” he said.
“The security forces strongly condemn the spirit and message behind the call, and we contend that this must stop henceforth," Magezi added.
The UPDF mouthpiece warned that individuals who incite violence would face consequences.
“In the worst-case scenario, those who incite violence and promote anarchy in the country by misleading the young of Uganda to violently confront the security forces will themselves not escape the outcome,” Magezi said, adding that any attempt to provoke clashes would be “a futile and zero-sum game with no winners.”
He argued that Uganda’s past instability should serve as a reminder of the dangers of undermining national institutions.
“It is inconceivable that an aspiring national leader would seek to undermine the credibility of the country’s security forces, the foundation upon which everything else thrives,” he said.
Magezi further emphasised that the UPDF remained well-trained and prepared to handle any threat.
“The country’s armed forces, and the UPDF in particular, are highly capable, organised, proficient and lethal. There is no threat we cannot deal with, and it will be very bad news for those who do not heed the warnings,” he said.
He added that any doubt about the military’s capacity should be settled by the record of its regional operations.
“If the NUP leader is in doubt about the capabilities of our armed forces, he should consult the al-Shabaab in Somalia, the ADF and CODECO in DRC, or Joseph Kony and his defunct LRA in CAR,” Magezi stated.
Drawing parallels with past cult-like mobilisations, he said that “modern day Alice Lakwena’s, or the Kirumira Mutimas of the Ruwenzori region recently (who similarly confuse young people into reckless misadventures) have no place in Uganda’s progress and transformational journey.”
The UPDF urged all political actors to conduct campaigns responsibly.
“We appeal to political leaders to look for votes peacefully and in accordance with the Electoral Commission guidelines and within the confines and spirit of the laws of Uganda,” Magezi said.
The warning comes as presidential campaigns enter a heated phase, with both security agencies and electoral observers calling for restraint to avoid violence as the country heads toward the 2026 polls.
The Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, recently expressed concerns over what he said was repeated defiance of electoral guidelines by opposition supporters especially those of NUP.
Addressing journalists, Byakagaba said repeated attempts to establish a smooth working relationship between security personnel and NUP leaders had “failed,” leaving the police with no option but to employ what he termed “technical force” in situations where order had broken down.
This week, Kyagulanyi, appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful amid what he described as deliberate provocation by security forces during the campaign period.
“Please don’t give in to police provocation,” he said. “They want you to get angry and pelt stones at them so they can justify shooting at you. They have laboured so much to provoke you, but the only weapons we have are the national flag, cameras and the truth.” Kyagulanyi said while speaking to crowds at Bweyogerere Kakajo Grounds in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District.