Gen Saleh: Information Warfare a Major Security Threat

NAKASEKE: Senior Presidential Adviser on Defence and Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Caleb Akandwanaho, has identified information warfare as one of the major challenges facing modern armies, saying militaries must adapt to emerging forms of conflict beyond conventional warfare.

Speaking during a meeting with Defence Attachés accredited to Uganda at the Heritage Farm Command Post in Kirema, Nakaseke District, Saleh said the nature of warfare continues to evolve, requiring security institutions to understand and respond to new threats.

Drawing lessons from Uganda’s liberation struggle, he said security threats have shifted from traditional battlefield engagements to more complex forms of conflict, including mass demonstrations and information-based campaigns.

“We started looking at other forms of warfare that we did not expect,” Saleh said.

His remarks come amid ongoing global debate over the role of information, social media and digital platforms in shaping security outcomes.

In Uganda, authorities have previously defended restrictions on internet access and social media during election periods as measures aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation and safeguarding national security.

Critics say the moves were aimed at curtailing dissent and preventing opposition forces from mobilising masses against electoral malpractices.

Saleh urged Defence Attachés and military officers to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand emerging security challenges.

He also emphasized the importance of understanding the social and economic realities facing citizens.

“There is a need for armies to understand what is happening in society and the socio-economic conditions of the people,” he said.

Saleh further noted that reforms within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces were influenced by President Yoweri Museveni’s vision of a military that contributes to national development alongside its traditional security role.

According to Saleh, this thinking led to increased interaction between the military and communities through programmes such as Operation Wealth Creation and the Parish Development Model.

“He envisaged a force capable of contributing to food security, participating in wealth creation, and eventually manufacturing some of its own requirements and equipment,” Saleh said.

The Acting Deputy Chief Coordinator of OWC, Godfrey Muwanguzi, highlighted the role of agriculture in household income generation, saying the four-acre model encourages families to maximize land use through crop cultivation and livestock farming.

Representing the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Richard Otto, Col. Allan Matsiko thanked Saleh for sharing insights on Uganda’s liberation history, the evolution of the UPDF and the role of Operation Wealth Creation.

Also present were Richard Todwong and Fred Mwesigye, Commander of the 1st Infantry Division.

The meeting focused on emerging security trends, military transformation and the role of socio-economic development in supporting national stability.

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