UPDF above party politics, Brig. Gen. Kanyesigye reminds officers

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In a firm message distancing the UPDF from political influence, Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Kanyesigye has declared the army’s continued commitment to serving the interests of all Ugandans.

Speaking in Jinja, the cantonment commander of Gaddafi Barracks said the army belongs to the people and operates as a non-partisan institution dedicated to national service, not political competition.

“The UPDF is a people’s army. We are mandated to protect Uganda and its citizens, not to engage in partisan politics. Our focus remains peace, security and national unity,” Brig. Gen. Kanyesigye said.

He made the remarks on July 25, 2025, while presiding over the pass-out of 223 officers who graduated upon completion of three different courses: Basic Stores Management, Drivers’ Refresher and Truck Driving.

This was course intake 16/10 and 8/2025 at the School of Transport and Logistics (SOST) in Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja city.

His remarks come at a time when the country is preparing for the 2026 general elections, and concerns have been raised in some quarters about the neutrality of security forces during the electoral process.

Gen. Kanyesigye cautioned soldiers and officers against being used by politicians to settle personal or party disputes, urging them to remain professional, disciplined and impartial in the execution of their duties.

“Any officer found engaging in partisan activities or campaigning for any political group will face disciplinary action. Our Constitution is clear, the army must remain non-partisan,” he stressed.

He also encouraged civilians to trust the UPDF and work closely with security agencies in maintaining peace, especially during the electoral season.

Commenting on the army’s history as a pro-people force, Gen. Kanyesigye said Uganda is secure and that they had just finished the NRM primaries, where they supported the Uganda Police in providing security.

“As you go back to your different communities, tell your people that Uganda is secure and we want to remain that way during and after the 2026 general elections because UPDF is above party politics. We serve interests of every Ugandan because we don’t want to go back to sectarian politics, which doesn’t make sense,” he said.

Earlier, SSP Charles Nsaba, the Kiira regional police commander, commended efforts by the joint security teams in preventing security breaches during the NRM primary elections on July 17 and July 24, 2025.

"I am so proud of what we have achieved together. The joint security teams have been very responsive and proactive in ensuring credible NRM primaries in the region. Maintaining the same spirit throughout the coming electoral cycle in 2026 should be observed," Nsaba said.

Nsaba said the exercise was conducted and concluded without registering serious incidents, noting that security hotspots in Jinja Southern Division, which include Masese-Walukuba, Namulesa, Mafubira, Bugembe, Mpumudde, Lubas Road, Gabula Road, and Main Street West and East villages, including Jinja City Centre, were all secured.

He named other hotspots as Polota in Kakira town council, Buwenge town council, Butagaya subcounty, Busede subcounty and Buyengo town council in Jinja district, which were all contained.

Ricard Gulume, the Jinja city commissioner, praised the joint security team for their efforts, which he noted resulted in the peaceful election exercise.

He urged them to exhibit the same unity in the upcoming elections.

He commended Brig. Gen. Kanyesigye and RPC prisons south eastern region SSP Deogracious Ogwapit, for being very supportive sister forces.