CDF Gen Muhoozi Praises Peaceful 2026 Polls, Pledges Security Forces’ Support

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has congratulated President Yoweri Museveni on winning the 2026 general elections, describing the polls as the most peaceful in Uganda’s history.

Gen Kainerugaba made the remarks on Friday during the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations held in Kabale District. He also commended Ugandans for peacefully exercising their democratic rights during the presidential, parliamentary and local council elections.

“I congratulate the people of Uganda on peacefully exercising your right in the just concluded presidential, parliamentary and local council elections,” Gen Kainerugaba said.

He noted that security remained largely intact throughout the electoral process, with only a few isolated incidents reported.

“It is quite comforting that, save for a few isolated cases, security was observed in most parts of the country through the electoral process. Voters went about the business of electing their leaders in a serene, calm and secure environment,” he said, adding that the 2026 polls are already being regarded as the most peaceful elections on record.

Speaking on President Museveni’s re-election, the CDF, who also serves as Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, described the victory as “well deserved” and the most decisive since 1996.

“On my behalf, the officers of the UPDF and the entire security forces of Uganda, I extend our profound congratulations to President Museveni on his well-deserved election victory,” he said.

Gen Kainerugaba also pledged continued support from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and security agencies in advancing national development and transforming Uganda into an upper-middle-income country.

“The people of the Great Lakes region also celebrated this victory because your visionary leadership is no longer only enjoyed by the people of Uganda; it transcends our borders,” he said.

In his address, President Museveni praised the security forces for maintaining stability during the elections, saying they acted decisively to neutralise a group that had planned to disrupt the process.

He later awarded Gen Kainerugaba a medal in recognition of his leadership in anti–Al-Shabaab operations and for commanding UPDF missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Somalia.

Airport Projects Announced

President Museveni also announced major infrastructure plans, revealing that businessman Amos Nzeyi had donated land in Kisoro District for the construction of a large international airport aimed at boosting tourism.

He said the project will be implemented jointly with the ruler of Sharjah, one of the emirates of the United Arab Emirates.

President Yoweri Museveni inspects a guard of honor at the military parade during celebrations to mark Tarehe Sita

Additionally, Museveni disclosed plans to build a new airport in Mbarara that will be larger than Entebbe International Airport, targeting expanded trade links with South America and China.

The President noted that while Uganda is currently a lower-middle-income country, it is firmly on course to attain upper-middle-income status.

The Tarehe Sita celebrations were attended by cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, senior UPDF officers, and local leaders.