Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has urged Ugandans to participate in the electoral process peacefully and return to their homes immediately after voting.
Muhoozi made the remarks on Monday at the UPDF headquarters in Mbuya, where he presided over the decoration ceremony of newly promoted officers.
Addressing senior military personnel, the CDF emphasized that elections should not be a source of chaos or confrontation.
“Ugandans should vote and go home,” Muhoozi said, stressing that there would be no justification for lingering at polling stations or attempting to cause disorder after casting ballots.
He reassured the country that the security forces are fully prepared to maintain peace and order before, during and after the elections. According to Muhoozi, the presence of polling agents, election officials, observers and the media would ensure transparency in the voting and tallying process, eliminating the need for crowds at polling stations.
The CDF warned that anyone seeking to disrupt peace would face a firm but lawful response from security agencies. He described stability as a national priority and called on all political actors and their supporters to respect the law.
Muhoozi’s comments come amid heightened political activity and growing debate around election security, particularly calls by some opposition figures for supporters to remain at polling stations to “protect the vote.”
The promotion and decoration ceremony at Mbuya saw several senior and junior officers recognized for their service, as the UPDF leadership reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, discipline and national stability.