The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has warned against foreign interference in the running of the country’s affairs, vowing that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) will protect the country’s sovereignty.
“We’ll never allow agents of foreign interests to demoralise and demobilise the patriotic and nationalist spirit of Ugandans. Your Excellency, furthermore, we shall not allow foreign interests to determine our national narrative” he said.
He added, “The impunity within such an element of Uganda’s political class and media directly impacts the country’s security”.
Gen Muhoozi made the remarks during the pass-out ceremony of more than 10,000 recruits from UPDF Intake 18/2025–26 at the Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, presided over by President Yoweri Museveni, on Thursday.
Gen Muhoozi, without making any specific mention of the said media houses or political actors, noted that the said actors have to become responsible to ensure peace and security are preserved, in order for Uganda to transform into a first world country.
“The UPDF and the interagency architecture are committed to establishing a holistic national security infrastructure, including acting against wrong elements within the political and media class. Certainly, we will never allow anyone again to undermine the national interest in whatever shape or form” he said.
Muhoozi further reassured the gathering that the country remains peaceful, secure and thriving.
“However, what is also true is that we are having to deal with a fifth column of neo-colonialist sympathisers and agents of foreign interests who are intent on sabotaging our national independence and development” he said.
He added, “Your Excellency and fellow citizens, we are very aware of the insidious machinations of negative elements against our country, but the good news is that we will not permit their shenanigans”.
Gen Muhoozi’s remarks come in the wake of U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Sen. Jim Risch calling for a review of Washington’s security relationship with Uganda, after the closure of Nation Media Group (NMG) outlets including Daily Monitor and NTV in Uganda.
“The U.S. needs to review its security relationship with Uganda. Gen. @mkainerugaba’s attacks on free speech, including shuttering major media houses this weekend, make him and the UPDF unfit partners. We should only work with those who advance regional security, not diminish it”.
