By KT Reporter
The Commandant of the First Infantry Division in the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), Acting Maj. Gen. Stephen Mugerwa, has cautioned individuals plotting election-related violence that the army will deal with them mercilessly. Gen. Mugerwa issued the warning on Monday while presiding over a security meeting held at the Mukono Resident District Commissioner’s gardens.
The meeting was attended by National Resistance Movement (NRM) politicians, religious leaders, and local government officials. During the meeting, several politicians expressed concern over pressure groups allegedly formed by opposition supporters. The groups, known as Ggaali—a Luganda word for “bicycle”—are said to function as vote-protection units and human rights advocates.
Faridah Zawedde from Kyampisi claimed that some members of the Ggaali groups in her area have resorted to criminal acts targeting NRM supporters, particularly at night. “One of our mobilisers died from injuries sustained in an attack, while another is still in hospital,” she said, though she did not provide names of the victims.
“It is actually becoming hard for us to dress in the yellow colours of our party, the NRM. Our opponents treat us as enemies and are determined to undress us,” Zawedde added. By press time, Uganda Radio Network had not independently verified the claims made about Kyampisi.
However, Gen. Mugerwa warned that such acts must stop immediately or those involved would face consequences. He cited an incident in Kawempe where residents allegedly provoked security officers deployed to maintain peace during polling day, resulting in retaliation.
“Whoever dreams of disorganizing elections by inciting insecurity of whatever nature will be in for a surprise. The UPDF will not simply sit and watch. Anyone planning election-related insecurity is joking. We rely on the people’s support and love for the government to maintain harmony during the elections,” Gen. Mugerwa said.
Mukono Division Police Commander SSP Bernard Mugerwa acknowledged concerns about rising insecurity ahead of the elections. He said police have already started voter sensitization efforts to promote peaceful participation.
Gen. Mugerwa also revealed that the First Infantry Division will continue to conduct security visits in various districts across the division, which covers Bunyoro, Busoga, and Buganda regions, to assess the situation on the ground. He urged residents to report any suspicious activities to security agencies promptly, emphasizing that community cooperation is key to tackling insecurity. “True, there are pockets of undisciplined soldiers, but they are easy to deal with when civilians cooperate. From today, wherever you find a police officer, a soldier will be nearby,” he said, encouraging residents to alert the army when they sense insecurity.
However, some local leaders, especially LCI chairpersons, pushed back against what they perceived as overreach by the army. “We shall continue working with the police. In case of any need, let police contact you, not us. We are not used to working with the army on local matters,” said Angello Mukasa, the LCI Chairperson of Bajjo. Despite the resistance, Gen. Mugerwa maintained that joint security coordination has already begun-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
