Tarehe Sita: CDF congratulates Museveni on election victory, pledges UPDF loyalty

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The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has congratulated President Yoweri Museveni on winning the 2026 general elections and described the polls as the most peaceful in Uganda’s history.

Gen Kainerugaba made the remarks on Friday, February 6, during the commemoration of the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations in Kabale District. He also congratulated citizens for exercising their democratic rights.

“I congratulate the people of Uganda on peacefully exercising your right in the just concluded presidential, parliamentary and local council elections,” he said.

“It is quite comforting that, save for a few isolated cases, security was observed in most parts of the country through the electoral process. Voters went about the business of electing their leaders in a serene, calm and secure environment. As a consequence, the 2026 general elections are already being called the most peaceful elections on record.”

Speaking about the President’s victory, Gen Kainerugaba, who also serves as Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, called it his “well-deserved election victory; the most decisive election victory since 1996.”

“On my behalf, the officers of the UPDF, and the entire security forces of Uganda, I extend our profound congratulations to President Museveni on his well-deserved election victory,” he said.

The CDF expressed optimism about national development and pledged continued support for efforts to move Uganda towards upper-middle-income status.

“The people of the great lakes region also celebrated this victory because your visionary leadership is no longer only enjoyed by the people of Uganda, but they transcend the borders of Uganda. We will steadfastly support you in your quest to transform the people of Uganda to upper-middle-income status,” he said.

In his speech, President Museveni praised the security forces for their role in the elections, saying they did a robust job maintaining peace. He said a group had planned to destabilise the process, but security agencies responded quickly and ensured stability across the country.

The President also awarded Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba a medal for leading anti–Al-Shabaab operations and commanding missions in DR Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia.

Airport construction

President Museveni revealed that businessman Amos Nzeyi donated land to the government in Kisoro, where plans are underway to build a large international airport to promote tourism. He said the construction will be done jointly with the ruler of Sharjah, an emirate in the United Arab Emirates.

He added that the government also plans to build an airport in Mbarara that will be larger than Entebbe International Airport to boost trade with South America and China.

President Museveni said Uganda is currently a lower-middle-income country but is targeting high-middle-income status. He stressed that the country has the capacity to achieve this growth.

The Tarehe Sita celebrations were attended by ministers, Members of Parliament, senior UPDF officers, and local leaders, among others.