The highest-ranking female officer in the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs, Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso, has reassured Ugandans of their safety and urged the public to remain peaceful as the country prepares for Thursday's general presidential and parliamentary elections.
Speaking during Sanyuka Morning Xpress on Tuesday, Nalweyiso emphasized that the nation is heading into a democratic electoral process--not a conflict--and that security agencies are fully committed to protecting lives and property before, during, and after the polls.
"The good thing with security is that they act based on what is happening on the ground; the situation determines the response," she said, underscoring the readiness of security agencies to respond appropriately to emerging situations.
Nalweyiso cautioned against the misuse of rhetoric and slogans that could cause fear or unrest among the population, noting that such actions may necessitate intervention.
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"If slogans are used in a way that scares the country, action should be taken. We shall protect Ugandans and ensure that no one harms another. We are heading into an election, not a war," she said.
Nalweyiso also defended the role of security personnel, particularly the police, describing them as citizens serving fellow citizens.
"Police officers are our fellow Ugandans; they are here to protect Ugandans," she said.
Referencing the influence of social media, she noted that some content circulating online points to the need for heightened vigilance.
"There are videos you watch on TikTok that make you realize Ugandans need protection," she said, highlighting the responsibility of security agencies to prevent instability fueled by misinformation or incitement.
Nalweyiso further commended the leadership of the army for acting decisively when situations threaten public order.
"I thank the army leadership because when the situation becomes bad, we do not wait for Parliament to sit; we act to calm the situation," she said.
Reiterating her message of peace, Nalweyiso stressed that elections in Uganda are a regular democratic exercise.
"We are not going into war but into an election. Every five years, we vote for a president. There is no war, and no one will start a war," she said.
Nalweyiso also issued a pointed appeal to political leaders to prioritize issue-based engagement over inflammatory messaging.
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Addressing National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, she said: "I ask my son Kyagulanyi that if he wants a young person to lead this country, he should bring his ideas to the table rather than incitement."
"I urge Ugandans to remain peaceful. We are not going to war. Please don't do anything that could put you in trouble or land you in prison. Elections happen every five years," she added,in a direct appeal to the general public to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period.
