By Our Reporter
President Yoweri Museveni has issued a strong call for a return to disciplined political engagement in Uganda, warning against the growing trend of hooliganism and intimidation in the country’s democratic space. Addressing top commanders of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) during two high-level meetings at State House Entebbe this week, the President reiterated the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) commitment to fostering a democracy rooted in respect, order, and national values.
“I emphasised the need for disciplined democracy in Uganda. The NRM advocates for disciplined democracy, not hooliganism or bad language, because we want Ugandans to decide what they want without intimidation,” President Museveni said.
The meetings — the UPDF High Command on Wednesday and the Defence Forces Council on Thursday — focused on national and regional security, as well as the role of the UPDF in preserving Uganda’s democratic integrity.
In his address, Museveni condemned the use of threats, inflammatory language, and coercion by political actors, describing such behavior as contrary to African values and detrimental to peace.
“Politicians engaging in practices that intimidate citizens must stop! This is not the African way,” he cautioned. “You must speak well in public; do not resort to negative speech.”
The President also used the platform to encourage young Ugandans to embrace uzalendo — patriotism and nation-building — and to carry forward the foundational values of the NRM, which he said are essential for Uganda’s continued development.
“The challenge for young people is to understand what the pioneers started and to carry that legacy forward,” he said.
On the regional front, Museveni praised UPDF’s efforts in stabilizing neighboring countries, including ongoing operations in Eastern DRC, Somalia, and South Sudan. He urged the army to continue supporting peace across Africa, stressing that Uganda’s strategic security is interconnected with regional stability.
Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba thanked the President for his guidance and reaffirmed the UPDF’s readiness to secure the country and protect its citizens. He highlighted ongoing capacity-building within the force and increased collaboration with foreign militaries through training and intelligence sharing.
The meetings were attended by senior UPDF officers, including Deputy CDF Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Commander Land Forces Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander Air Force Lt Gen Charles Okidi, and SFC Commander Maj Gen David Mugisha. Also present were officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, led by Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth, Minister of State Huda Oleru Abason, and Permanent Secretary Rosette Byengoma.
The meetings concluded with a strong reaffirmation of UPDF’s role as a stabilizing force in Uganda’s political and security landscape, as the President urged security leaders to continue promoting peace, discipline, and national unity.
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