"SFC Will Guard Bobi Wine Through the Elections, Either By Peace Or Not" Says Army

All presidential candidates for the 2026 elections in Uganda will be guarded by the Special Forces Command (SFC), the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has confirmed. The decision aims to ensure the safety of candidates throughout the election period.

According to Electoral Commission (EC) spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, the nomination of candidates will take place next week on Tuesday and Wednesday. Once nominated, each candidate will immediately be provided with a police patrol vehicle and armed personnel to offer security during campaigns.

“As soon as an aspirant is nominated as a candidate, they are handed a vehicle with a security detail. They leave the venue with security,” Mucunguzi said, emphasizing the importance of immediate protection.

However, the UPDF has clarified that presidential candidates, as Very Important Persons (VIPs), will fall under the direct protection of the SFC. Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, the Defence Public Information Officer, explained that the SFC is mandated to protect VIPs.

“The Electoral Commission is mandated to provide police security. The SFC is mandated to provide security to VIPs. Every presidential candidate is a VIP,” Kulayigye said. He added, “Whether Bobi Wine likes it or not, he will be guarded by SFC until elections are over.”

This follows earlier remarks by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba in July, who stated that all presidential candidates would be guarded only by the SFC. He emphasized that any personal security arrangements outside SFC supervision would not be allowed.

Not all candidates are comfortable with the arrangement. Elton Joseph Mabirizi, scheduled for nomination on Tuesday, rejected the SFC’s involvement, insisting that he will only accept police protection. “The law permits us to be in charge of our own security. We can hire our own security if we choose,” Mabirizi said.

In previous elections, candidates were guarded by the Very Important Persons Protection Unit (VVIPU) of the police’s Counter-Terrorism Directorate, currently led by AIGP David Wasswa. The shift to SFC protection represents a significant change in security protocol.

Prominent candidates who have returned nomination forms include President Yoweri Museveni (NRM), Robert Kyagulanyi (NUP), Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Norbert Mao (DP), and Gregory Mugisha Muntu (ANT). Attempts to reach Kyagulanyi for comment were unsuccessful.

Despite some disagreements, the EC maintains there is no conflict between its role and the SFC’s involvement. Mucunguzi explained that Article 212 of the constitution mandates police security at all times, including during elections. He also confirmed that the EC will cover all expenses related to candidate protection.

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