Senior Ugandan officials have dismissed recent claims by BBC Africa alleging the existence of a “shadow army” in the country, calling the report a politically motivated attempt to interfere in Uganda’s ongoing electoral environment.
Col. Chris Magezi, Military Assistant to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, labeled the report as “full of falsehoods” and aligned with previous articles from foreign media outlets that he said sought to tarnish Uganda’s security institutions.
Magezi emphasized that any schemes against the country “will all come to naught,” asserting that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) remains one of the most politically and ideologically conscious military forces in the world.
Faruk Kirunda, the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, also weighed in, calling the BBC report a “yet another attempt to interfere in our elections, given the timing.”
He reiterated that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s leadership is sustained by the support of Ugandans who endorse his policies.
“The UPDF is an army of the people and operates by their will for their security and that of the country at large. Any moves to destabilise Uganda will not be tolerated,” Kirunda stated.
The timing of the report, released just weeks before national polls, has raised questions about foreign media influence and the framing of Uganda’s military operations in international narratives.
The government has urged citizens and international partners to rely on verified sources, underscoring that Uganda’s institutions operate transparently and in line with national interests.