Museveni's Plan to Deploy UPDF Officers in Villages Faces a Major Backlash from MPs

President Yoweri Museveni’s proposal to deploy Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers to villages has stirred significant criticism, with Members of Parliament voicing concerns over the move.

Hon. Denis Ssekabira, an outspoken legislator, has questioned the rationale behind the proposal, arguing that the police should be strengthened to fulfill its primary duty of protecting citizens and their property.

“We all know it’s the police’s responsibility to protect people and their property,” Ssekabira stated.

“Introducing the army to the villages is not right. The police should instead be empowered.” he added.

President Yoweri Museveni recently suggested involving the UPDF in village security operations, citing rising cases of crime and the need for a more disciplined force.

However, critics see this as a dangerous shift that undermines the police force and blurs the constitutional roles of security agencies.

According to Hon. Ssekabira, the focus should be on equipping and training the police to handle security matters effectively.

He emphasized the importance of addressing systemic challenges within the police, such as inadequate funding, lack of proper equipment, and poor working conditions, which have hindered its performance.

The proposal has also raised concerns about militarization and its potential to erode civil liberties. Many Ugandans fear that deploying the army in civilian spaces could lead to abuse of power and intimidation, further stifling political dissent.

LINK: https://x.com/nbstv/status/1875898458269491362

Civil society groups have echoed these concerns, urging the government to prioritize community policing and other people-centered approaches to improve security.