Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has issued a directive stating that all 2026 presidential candidates will be exclusively guarded by the elite Special Forces Command (SFC).
He warned that any private or alternative security arrangements would be dismantled without compromise.
“I have said it once and for all, ALL Presidential Candidates will be guarded ONLY by SFC! Any personal arrangements that do not concur with our standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be smashed immediately,” Muhoozi stated in a message on X.
The directive, which comes just months ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 General Elections, indicates a different posture by the security establishment to retain full control over campaign security to ensure a flawless process considering an elite unit now takes over.
While the SFC plays a role in securing the presidency and high-value installations, this is the first time it has been explicitly declared as the sole provider of protection for all presidential contenders.
Political observers view Muhoozi’s statement as both a show of force and a calculated message to aspiring candidates, especially those outside the ruling party orbit.
Some analysts have described the move as an early indication of the ruling establishment’s intent to prevent private militias, rogue escorts, or politically-motivated deployments that could disrupt electoral order.
EC Accelerates Nomination Calendar
As the security dimension of the election takes center stage, the Electoral Commission has also made key changes to the official election roadmap.
In an address to the nation, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi announced that the nomination of presidential candidates will now take place on 23rd and 24th September 2025, instead of the previously scheduled 2nd and 3rd October.
“The Electoral Commission has adjusted the dates for the nomination of candidates for Presidential Elections 2025/2026… and we urge all aspirants to take note and comply accordingly,” Byabakama said.
In addition to the presidential nominations, the EC released other key timelines:
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Nomination of Local Government and Special Interest Group (SIG) Candidates: 3rd – 12th September 2025
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Parliamentary Nominations: 16th – 17th September 2025
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Nominations for SIGs Representatives to Local Governments: 8th – 12th December 2025
Justice Byabakama reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to a free and fair electoral process and called on stakeholders to respect the roadmap, ensure early preparations, and avoid acts that could undermine peace or legality.
However, the intersection between the EC’s announcements and Gen. Muhoozi’s security directive is already raising questions.
A High-Stakes Election Season
Uganda’s 2026 elections are expected to be one of the most contested in recent memory.
The political atmosphere is charged, with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party confirming that President Museveni will seek another term in office.
For now, Muhoozi’s declaration has set the tone for a highly secured electoral process, while the EC’s revised calendar officially kicks off the countdown.
But one thing is certain—the road to 2026 has officially begun, and it’s already lined with power, protocol, and political tension.
