Job Namanya || Tayari News
KABALE – The Chief Political Commissar of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko, has cautioned Ugandans to shun violence and maintain peace as the country prepares for the general elections scheduled for Thursday next week. He emphasized that peaceful participation is essential for safeguarding national stability and strengthening Uganda’s democratic process.
In an exclusive interview with our reporter, Gen Matsiko said, elections should be conducted in an atmosphere of calm and mutual respect, warning that acts of violence and lawlessness undermine the will of the people.
He urged voters, political leaders, and their supporters to exercise restraint and resolve differences through lawful and democratic means. According to him, security agencies are keenly monitoring the situation across the country to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.
Matsiko assured the public that the UPDF, in coordination with other security organs, is fully prepared to avert any acts of unlawfulness before, during, and after the elections. He said comprehensive security measures have been put in place to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure, as well as to support civil authorities in maintaining law and order. He emphasised that while the military respects democratic freedoms, it will not hesitate to take action against individuals or groups intent on disrupting the electoral process.
“Our role is to ensure that Ugandans can exercise their constitutional right to vote in a secure environment,” Matsiko said, adding that security forces are on high alert nationwide. He warned that those who seek to incite violence, intimidate voters, or interfere with the electoral process will face the full force of the law.
The UPDF political commissar also expressed concern over what he described as increasing tendencies of religious sectarianism in parts of the country, particularly the Kigezi sub-region. He said the growing use of religious divisions in political campaigns is worrying and poses a threat to social cohesion and national unity. Matsiko called on political actors to adopt more responsible and inclusive campaign approaches that focus on issues of development rather than exploiting religious or sectarian differences for political gain.
“Religion should be a force for unity and moral guidance, not a tool for division. Leaders must be careful not to sow seeds of hatred or mistrust among communities, especially during such a sensitive period,” he said.
He appealed to community leaders, religious institutions, and opinion leaders to play an active role in promoting peaceful coexistence and tolerance among their followers.
According to Matsiko, collective responsibility is critical in ensuring that the elections are conducted peacefully and that the country remains stable.
As the nation heads to the polls next week, Maj Gen Matsiko encouraged Ugandans to turn up in large numbers and participate peacefully in the electoral process.
“Calm, orderly, and lawful participation would demonstrate national maturity and reinforce Uganda’s commitment to democratic values, urging all stakeholders to put the interests of the country above partisan considerations,” he explained