Activists affiliated with the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party implicated
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has warned against foreign interference and ongoing subversive activities aimed at destabilizing the country ahead of the 2026 general elections.
According to Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col. Chris Magezi, security and intelligence services have over the past few months arrested and interrogated several suspects linked to organized armed rebellion, plans to bomb public places and acts of economic sabotage through the vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
“In the case of extensive vandalization of electricity infrastructure, some of the most affected districts are Wakiso, Mukono, Kayunga, Luweero, Nakaseke, Kiboga, Nakasongola, Mityana, Mubende, Mpigi, and the greater Masaka region,” Magezi revealed.
He noted that some of the arrested suspects had previously posed as activists affiliated with the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party.
He added, “Many have accordingly been charged in courts of law and remanded in custody pending trial.”
Magezi said the Inter-Agency Security Committee, chaired by the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces and composed of the Uganda Police Force, Prisons Services, and intelligence agencies, is actively coordinating to dismantle subversive and terrorist cells operating in Kampala’s metropolitan ghettos.
“These groups are luring unsuspecting youths into rebel activities with the goal of disrupting peace and the upcoming general elections. We will take firm action against the ring leaders, organisers, and funders,” he added.
He further accused certain accredited European diplomatic missions, particularly the German Embassy, of financing and mobilizing anti-government groups.
“We are particularly concerned about the illegal and clandestine activities of the German Ambassador in Uganda, His Excellency Mathias Schauer,” said Magezi. “These actions violate the 1961 Vienna Diplomatic Conventions and Uganda is engaging the concerned foreign mission through appropriate diplomatic channels.”
The UPDF condemned any foreign influence in Uganda’s internal affairs and pledged decisive action.
“The youths of Uganda are advised to avoid falling into traps set by enemy political actors. Instead, they should embrace government wealth creation programmes and youth initiatives for their long-term wellbeing,” Magezi urged.
He noted that all domestic and foreign actors found destabilizing Uganda will be “identified, isolated, and dealt with firmly in accordance with the laws of the land.”
