The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has confirmed that all presidential candidates for the 2026 elections will be protected by the Special Forces Command (SFC) throughout the election period. The move is intended to ensure the safety of candidates during the nomination process and subsequent campaigns.
Electoral Commission (EC) spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi explained that nominations will take place next week on Tuesday and Wednesday. Once a candidate is officially nominated, they will be provided with a police patrol vehicle and armed personnel for immediate security. “As soon as an aspirant is nominated, they are handed a vehicle with a security detail. They leave the venue with security,” Mucunguzi said.
However, the UPDF has clarified that presidential candidates, classified as Very Important Persons (VIPs), will be under the direct protection of the SFC. Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, the Defence Public Information Officer, emphasized the mandate: “The Electoral Commission provides police security. The SFC provides security to VIPs. Every presidential candidate is a VIP. Whether Bobi Wine likes it or not, he will be guarded by SFC until elections are over.”
This follows remarks by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba in July, who stated that all presidential candidates would be guarded exclusively by the SFC, with no personal security arrangements allowed outside SFC supervision. Not all candidates are comfortable with this arrangement; Elton Joseph Mabirizi, scheduled for nomination on Tuesday, has rejected SFC involvement, insisting he will only accept police protection.
In previous elections, candidates were guarded by the VVIP Protection Unit (VVIPU) of the police’s Counter-Terrorism Directorate. The move to SFC protection marks a significant shift in Uganda’s electoral 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).
Despite some disagreements, the EC maintains that its mandate is not in conflict with the SFC’s role. Mucunguzi cited Article 212 of the constitution, which mandates police security at all times, including during elections, and confirmed that the EC will cover all costs related to candidate protection.
