Army deployment not meant to intimidate voters, says deputy commander Okiding

NGORA - The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) says the deployment of soldiers during the General Election is purely to support the Police in maintaining law and order and should not be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate voters.

Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding says the army’s role is to back up the Uganda Police Force, which, according to him, has insufficient manpower to cover the entire country during the highly sensitive electoral period.

“People should not fear the army when they see them because they are your brothers and sisters keeping your security,” Okiding says.

He was speaking on January 13, 2026, in Ngora district while monitoring government and army-supported community projects, including the roofing of community schools, rehabilitation of health facilities, and the repair of more than 400 boreholes across the Teso sub-region.

Okiding emphasised that the military’s involvement is aimed at preventing individuals with bad intentions from destabilising the country during the elections.

“The general election is a big national event that requires maximum security. Our mission is peace, not intimidation, and certainly not harassment of voters,” he said.

Gen Okiding and RDC Ngora Josephine Omara (in yellow Kitenge), together with the community, who he handed iron sheets that the UPDF donated. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

Leave polling stations after voting

He also defended earlier remarks by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, advising voters to leave polling stations after casting their ballots.

Okiding clarified that the law provides for candidates to deploy their own polling agents to monitor the voting process and safeguard their interests, and therefore, ordinary voters are expected to vote and leave.

“Polling agents are required by law to stay at polling stations from the start of voting to the end. For ordinary voters, your role is simple: go, vote, and leave,” he said, adding that the presence of polling agents ensures transparency and builds confidence in the electoral process.

The three-month-long campaigns for presidential and parliamentary candidates officially close today, January 13, 2026, ahead of polling day on Thursday.

Security agencies have identified several hotspots in the Teso region, including Orungo County in Amuria district, Bukedea County in Bukedea district, Serere district, Soroti County, and Soroti City.

One person has already been reported dead in Orungo County following election-related violence on New Year’s Day.

Despite these incidents, security agencies say they are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful, free, and orderly election across the country.