Uganda Warns Against Rhetoric Ahead of Elections

Ugandan security forces on Saturday cautioned political actors against incendiary and divisive language that could lead to violence ahead of the country’s elections next year.

On January 15, 2026, Ugandans will cast ballots to choose a president and members of parliament.

The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), in a statement published on its website, said it had “noted with concern the continuous rhetoric by the NUP presidential candidate” Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.

“Security has noted with concern the continuous rhetoric by the NUP Presidential candidate calling upon his supporters to mob polling centres on Election Day and thereafter march to the Capital, Kampala,” the statement said.

UPDP added that Kyagulanyi had encouraged supporters to be “prepared to confront the security forces because, in his view, the police and UPDF would be outnumbered on the ground.”

“This type of polarising language is very unfortunate indeed. It is ill-advised, toxic, shallow in logic, and dangerous,” the statement said, adding that security forces “strongly condemn the spirit and message behind the call” and insist “this must stop henceforth.”

The military warned that those who incite violence would bear responsibility for the consequences, stating, “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. The net effect will be a futile and zero-sum game with no winners, and contemporary examples abound in the world around us and beyond.”

UPDP  added it was “inconceivable that an aspiring national leader would seek to undermine the credibility of the country’s security forces,” particularly given Uganda’s history of instability.

“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.

“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.”