The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has cautioned NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine against incendiary and divisive language that could lead to political violence.
In a statement, UPDF writes that Security has noted with concern the continuous rhetoric by the NUP Presidential candidate calling upon his supporters to mob polling centers on Election Day, and thereafter march to the capital Kampala.
“He also encourages his supporters to be prepared to confront the security forces because, in his view, the police and UPDF would be outnumbered on the ground.”
This type of polarizing language is very unfortunate indeed. It is ill advised, toxic, shallow in logic, and dangerous. The security forces strongly condemn the spirit and message behind the call , and we contend that this must stop henceforth.
The UPDF statement reads: “In the worst case scenario, those who incite violence and promote anarchy in the country by misleading the young of Uganda to violently confront the security forces will themselves not escape the outcome. The net effect will be a futile and zero-sum game with no winners, and contemporary examples abound in the world around us and beyond.
Further, and recalling our long history of instability, it is inconceivable that an aspiring national leader would seek to undermine the credibility of the country’s security forces, the foundation upon which everything else thrives.
The country’s armed forces, and the UPDF in particular are highly capable, organized, proficient and lethal. There is no threat we cannot deal with, and it will be very bad news for those who do not heed the warnings.
If the NUP leader is in doubt about the capabilities of our armed forces, he should consult the al-Shabaab in Somalia, the ADF and CODECO in DRC, or Joseph Kony and his defunct LRA in CAR, as well as other violent and negative groups in the region.
Therefore, the modern day Alice Lakwena’s, or the Kirumira Mutimas of the Ruwenzori region recently (who similarly confuse young people into reckless misadventures) have no place in Uganda’s progress and transformational journey.
We appeal to political leaders to look for votes peacefully and in accordance with the Electoral Commission guidelines and within the confines and spirit of the laws of Uganda.”
