KAMPALA, Uganda — A debate has emerged in Uganda over who will provide security for presidential candidates in the upcoming 2026 elections, as the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Electoral Commission (EC) appear to be at odds over the mandate.
The EC, through spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, has reiterated that it will assign police security to all successfully nominated candidates.
According to Mucunguzi, once nominated, each presidential candidate will immediately be given a police patrol vehicle with armed personnel for their security throughout the campaign period.
“As soon as an aspirant is nominated as a candidate, they are handed a vehicle with a security detail. They leave the venue with security,” Mucunguzi stated.
However, the UPDF maintains that presidential candidates, as Very Important Persons (VIPs), fall under the direct protection of the Special Forces Command (SFC).
Major General Felix Kulayigye, the Defence Public Information Officer, underscored the military’s position.
“The Electoral Commission is mandated to provide police security. The SFC is mandated to provide security to VIPs. Every presidential candidate is a VIP,” said Maj Gen Kulayigye.
This debate follows a declaration by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who had stated on X (formerly Twitter) that only the SFC would guard the candidates.
“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,” Gen Muhoozi posted.
The proposed arrangement has been met with discomfort by some aspirants. Elton Joseph Mabirizi, a presidential aspirant, has publicly rejected the SFC’s involvement.
“The law permits us to be in charge of our own security. We have the liberty to reject those we think are not suitable. We can also hire our own security. I will only accept police protection,” Mabirizi said.
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In previous elections, candidates were protected by the police’s Very Important Persons Protection Unit (VVIPU).
Despite the apparent conflict, Mucunguzi insisted that there is no contradiction between the two bodies.
“The EC doesn’t have to resolve it. The law already does. Article 212 mandates the police to provide security at all times, including during elections,” he explained, adding that the EC is prepared to cover all security-related expenses for the candidates.
The SFC has a controversial history, with opposition groups accusing it of involvement in abductions of their supporters. This has fueled mistrust and deepened concerns among opposition members.
