Museveni: Heavy Deployment Of Security Forces In Kawempe North Stopped Chaos, But Not Micro-Crimes

President Yoweri Museveni has defended the deployment of military forces, including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT), in handling election security and maintaining public order.

He argues that opposition groups are responsible for inciting unrest, necessitating the presence of security forces.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Museveni justified the decision, saying,

“The heavy deployment of security forces may have stopped mass violence, but it could not prevent the micro-crimes that should have been managed by election officials.”

The presence of armed security personnel during elections has sparked debate in Uganda, with critics arguing that such measures intimidate voters and limit democratic expression.

However, Museveni insists that the deployment was necessary to prevent widespread chaos allegedly orchestrated by opposition groups.

Government officials claim that the opposition had planned to disrupt the electoral process through riots and misinformation campaigns.

“We will not allow lawlessness to take root in our country,” Museveni stated. “Our duty is to protect peace, and that is exactly what we did.”

Opposition politicians and human rights organizations have strongly criticized the government's reliance on security forces during elections.

National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, accused the government of using the military to suppress dissent.

“Elections should be about the will of the people, not the will of the gun,” he remarked in response to Museveni’s statement.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) also condemned the move, arguing that the presence of armed forces prevented free and fair participation.

“The government is creating fear instead of fostering democracy,” said FDC spokesperson Harold Kaija.

Uganda has faced allegations of election-related human rights violations in past elections, with reports of opposition arrests, media restrictions, and internet shutdowns.

Many fear that continued militarization of election security will erode trust in the country’s democratic institutions.

Despite criticism, Museveni maintains that national stability must take precedence over political disagreements.

“We cannot afford anarchy,” he reiterated.