Uganda’s Military Chief Urges Calm, Warns Against Disruption Ahead of 2026 Polls
KAMPALA—Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has called on voters to maintain peace and vacate polling stations immediately after casting their ballots in the upcoming January 15, 2026, presidential election.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated polls, General Muhoozi, who is also the son of long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, emphasized that the electoral process would be conducted transparently.
“Vote counting will be transparent and observed by agents, media, and election monitors,” he stated, seeking to assure the public of the integrity of the exercise.
However, the General issued a stern warning to those who might consider interfering with the process. He declared that anyone attempting to disrupt the election would face swift legal action.
His remarks arrive amid a notable public sentiment, with some Ugandan citizens and opposition groups advocating for “protest votes.” This strategy involves voters remaining near polling stations after voting to physically monitor the tallying process, a move born out of lingering distrust from previous elections.
By urging voters to “leave polling stations promptly,” General Muhoozi’s statement appears directly aimed at discouraging such gatherings, framing them as potential flashpoints for disorder.
The General’s dual message—reassurance of transparency coupled with a firm warning—highlights the government’s approach to managing the electoral environment as Uganda prepares for a contest that will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
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