Africa-Press – Uganda. The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has extended congratulations to President Museveni following his re-election, pledging the military’s continued support for national security and development.
Speaking at Kabale National Teachers’ College in Kabale District during the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations on Friday—which commemorate 40 years since the National Resistance Army (NRA) launched the guerrilla war that brought Museveni to power—Muhoozi also conveyed New Year greetings to Ugandans.
“I hope the festive season treated you kindly. It is my humble prayer that God grants you your dreams and aspirations for the year that lies ahead,” he said.
Muhoozi commended Ugandans for exercising their democratic rights peacefully in the recently concluded presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections.
“The people of Uganda have vindicated themselves very well,” he said, adding that the President’s victory was “the most decisive election victory since 1996.”
According to official results, Museveni secured 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.65 percent of the total valid votes cast, extending his leadership to a seventh term.
His closest challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform (NUP), garnered 2,741,238 votes, or 24.72 percent of the total.
Muhoozi noted that apart from a few detractors, believers in Africa’s independence and development celebrated the President’s triumph across the continent.
The UPDF chief reaffirmed the military’s loyalty to Museveni.
“I and the entire military leadership and the women and men of the UPDF pledge our unwavering loyalty as you embark on the renewed popular mandate granted to you by the people of Uganda from 2026 to 2031,” he said.
He also highlighted the UPDF’s role in supporting the President’s vision of transforming Uganda into an upper-middle-income country, emphasizing the importance of maintaining national peace and security.
“The entire country is peaceful from north to west, contrary to threats that were peddled by some hostile actors. We will continue working to keep it that way now and in the future,” Muhoozi said.
Highlighting ongoing security operations, he reported progress in Karamoja, where the Third Infantry Division has been disarming remnants of armed groups known as Karachunas and curbing the proliferation of illegal arms, contributing to improved security, boosting tourism, and attracting investment.
Muhoozi’s address underlined the UPDF’s continuing role in safeguarding Uganda’s stability while supporting national development initiatives under President Museveni’s leadership.
