KAMPALA The Chief of Defiance Forces (CDF) and First Son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has urged Ugandans to remain peaceful during the campaign period and as they cast their ballots on January 15, 2026.
Speaking at a piping ceremony of senior and general officers who were promoted last month to different ranks held at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya today, the First Son, who also serves as a senior presidential advisor on special operations, appealed to Ugandans to cast their votes peacefully and go home thereafter, instead of hanging around the polling stations.
According to him, vote counting will be transparent, and it will be done in the open as each contestant’s agents will be present to witness the process.
“The international observers will be present and so will the media. So, there is no need to hang around saying that they are protecting votes. The process will be transparent,” Gen Muhoozi said.
His remarks come on the heels of a sustained campaign by the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership calling on its supporters to protect their votes, accusing Gen Muhoozi’s father, President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for 40 years, of vote rigging.
NUP presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, who is challenging Mr Museveni for the second time, has argued that no law bars voters from hanging around polling stations after casting their ballots.
He has accused President Museveni and his agents of ballot stuffing during previous elections, the latest being the 2021 bloody polls in which he lost.
Riding on the campaign slogan ‘Protest Vote,’ the musician turned politician said Ugandans are legally allowed to stand a few meters away from the polling stations as they monitor and safeguard their election from being rigged.
Gen Muhoozi, however, said there is enough scrutiny to ensure the election process is transparent, free and fair and above all credible.
“Those who try to cause trouble, as I have heard some people proclaim, will be dealt with swiftly and with all the tools we have at our disposal and in accordance with the law,” he added.
Gen Muhoozi said UPDF has the internal role to remain vigilant and guard against reactionary groups which may want to cause trouble.
“We will not accept disturbances or disruptions of any kind against our people; we will take proactive measures and make sure that peace is secured around the clock,” he said.
To the newly decorated officers, Gen Muhoozi said promotions signify deeper obligations to the nation and their subordinates.
“This ceremony is not merely a change of insignia or ranks, it represents more responsibility and heavier tasks,” Gen Muhoozi said.
Citing Luke 12:48 ., Gen Muhoozi said a lot is expected of the newly-decorated officers.
He lauded President Museveni, who is the Commander-in-Chief for his strategic leadership, which he credited for shaping the UPDF into a growing, professional force for peace across Uganda, the region, and the continent.
On behalf of the promoted officers, Lt. Gen Jack Bakasumba, the Chief of Joint Staff and the most senior among them, thanked Gen Muhoozi and Gen (rtd) Museveni for their trust and confidence.
Lt. Gen Bakasumba pledged that the decorated Generals and officers would uphold the UPDF values of integrity, courage, and discipline in their work. He also thanked the CDF for his strategic leadership and mentorship of the entire UPDF.
The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking UPDF officials, including the Commander Land Forces, Lt. Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of the UPDF Air Force, Lt. Gen Charles Okidi and Ms Edith Butuuro, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
Some of the newly decorated officers include Lieutenant Generals Jack Bakasumba and Francis Okello, Major Generals James Kinaalwa, Deus Sande, Charles Byanyima, William Bainomugisha, and Christopher Ddamulira; Brigadier Generals Mcdans Kamugira, Fred Zakye, and Paddy Ankunda; among other Generals and Colonels.