KAMPALA — The presence of armed Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel and military police in parts of Kampala has raised questions about the security situation following reports of possible threats to peace and stability.
Reports circulating on Monday indicated that military personnel had been deployed in several areas of the capital following unspecified intelligence concerns. However, the exact nature of the alleged threats, the locations affected and the purpose of the deployment had not been independently established.
No official explanation had been provided regarding the reported military presence at the time of publication.
The developments have attracted public attention amid reported tensions between retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Elwelu, a former deputy chief of the UPDF, reportedly challenged Muhoozi over his conduct, warning that he was neither the first nor the last person to occupy the country’s top military command position.
The retired general also reportedly suggested that Muhoozi might not remain in the position for another year if he continued with what Elwelu described as unacceptable behaviour.
The reported remarks have added to speculation about relations within the country’s military establishment. However, there is no independently verified evidence establishing a connection between Elwelu’s comments and the reported deployment of armed personnel in Kampala.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged security operation remain unclear, including whether it was prompted by a specific intelligence report, a routine security assessment or another operational requirement.
The UPDF and military police had not issued a publicly confirmed statement explaining the reported deployment or linking it to the exchange involving the two generals.
The reported developments come at a time when public statements involving senior military figures have attracted considerable attention, particularly when they concern leadership, discipline and the conduct of serving officers.
For now, the relationship between the reported military presence and Elwelu’s remarks remains unconfirmed.
Further clarification from the UPDF, military police or other relevant security authorities would be necessary to establish the reason for the deployment and determine whether the reported intelligence concerns involved any specific threat to public safety.
