UPDF warns politicians against involving soldiers in campaigns

The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has warned politicians against dragging soldiers into partisan politics.

The warning follows complaints that some Members of Parliament and contenders for political positions were misusing the soldiers deployed as their guards or escorts.

In some parts of southwestern Uganda, such as Rwampara, Bushenyi and Sheema, some residents have complained that some of the candidates were using the security personnel to intimidate voters, prompting the chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) electoral commission, Tanga Odoi, to visit the places.

Other complaints about misuse of guards have been reported in Ssembabule, where violent scenes have been witnessed. The Mawogola South election pits Sam Kutesa's daughter, Shartis Kutesa, against President Yoweri Museveni's brother, Aine Kaguta.

The situation in the constituency has been volatile due to the presence of soldiers deployed to escort personalities involved in the campaigns. Kutesa over the weekend appealed to the authorities to withdraw the Special Forces Command soldiers in Ssembabule.