The atmosphere at Bombo military barracks was formal and tightly controlled as members of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) gathered for a constitutionally mandated exercise.
Senior military officers, lawmakers and state officials were present, underscoring the importance the government attaches to the process of electing parliamentary representatives of the armed forces.
President Yoweri Museveni, who attended the voting exercise, used the occasion to reflect on Uganda’s political landscape, touching on touching on issues that have long shaped debate in the country.
Speaking to soldiers and officers, the president emphasized discipline, loyalty, and the historical role of the military in safeguarding stability.
It was during this address that Museveni made a pointed comment about opposition politics in Uganda, asserting that what exists is not a genuine opposition but rather acts of cheating.
The statement immediately stood out, given the country’s often tense political environment and the central role opposition parties play in electoral contests.
The president argued that Uganda’s political challenges stem not from the absence of democratic structures but from what he described as a lack of honesty in political competition.
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He maintained that elections should be about ideas, service delivery, and national interest, rather than manipulation or disorder.
According to Museveni, the military has a responsibility to remain professional and focused on defending the state, regardless of political disagreements.
Opposition figures have repeatedly accused the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government of suppressing dissent, intimidating rivals, and using state machinery to maintain power.
They argue that the political playing field remains uneven, especially during elections.
Supporters of the president often echo this view, citing relative security and economic progress as justification for his leadership approach.
Speaking at a military barracks during the election of UPDF parliamentary representatives highlights the continued intersection of politics and the armed forces, a sensitive issue in many democracies.
As Uganda looks ahead to future electoral cycles, Museveni’s statements at Bombo are expected to fuel renewed discussion on political competition, electoral integrity, and the role of institutions in shaping the country’s democratic path.
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