As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, things are already getting tense. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has reportedly sent out over 10,000 trained soldiers, known as Commandos, to stop any protests from the opposition, especially the National Unity Platform (NUP).
According to security sources, these special soldiers were seen at Kololo grounds during a military drill. A source from CDF’s office said, “We are ready to deal with anyone who wants to cause chaos during the elections.”
These soldiers were chosen from different parts of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). They include soldiers from the Special Forces Command (SFC), Mountain Division in Fort Portal, Artillery from Masindi, CMI, Military Police, and others.
These commandos went for special training in countries like the USA, Russia, Cuba, Israel, and more. They were trained for over one year in areas like land fighting, air defense, marine operations, and urban warfare. They also learned several languages, both local and foreign, so they can work better in different regions.
Security sources say the main goal of these soldiers is to stop any protests that might come from the NUP party. According to these sources, the NUP has been talking about using protest votes to win power, and the army wants to stop that from happening.
“We have already identified places where protests might happen, and we are going to deploy soldiers there,” said one security officer. Some areas in Kampala, Masaka, and other cities have already been marked as hotspots.
Recently, Eddie Mutwe, the head bodyguard of NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), was reportedly arrested by the commandos. He was taken to General Muhoozi’s private location, where he was allegedly forced to learn Runyakore before being taken to Masaka court and sent to prison.
Muhoozi even posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I captured Kabobi’s bodyguard like Nsenene (grasshopper). What about you foot soldiers? You better surrender now.”
This tweet has upset many NUP supporters and raised concerns about the army’s role in politics.
Many people are now asking if Uganda can have free and fair elections in 2026, or if the country is heading into a season of fear and violence. Some human rights groups are worried that the heavy military presence may scare people and stop them from expressing themselves freely.
NUP leaders have not backed down. They continue to say that peaceful protest is their right under the law, and they will keep fighting for change.
As the 2026 elections come closer, all eyes are on Uganda to see what will happen next a peaceful vote or a military showdown?
