The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed widespread claims circulating on social media suggesting that the recent heavy military deployments across different parts of the country are aimed at tracking down opposition leader Bobi Wine.
Military officials say the allegations are misleading and do not reflect the real purpose of the ongoing operations.
In a statement released on March 10, 2026, UPDF spokesperson Chris Magezi clarified that the security deployment is part of a joint operation focused on improving order and safety on Ugandan roads.
According to Col Magezi, who currently serves as the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, the military together with other security agencies is conducting operations intended to enforce traffic regulations and address growing cases of road indiscipline.
The clarification came after several social media posts claimed that the security presence was specifically targeting Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and who leads the National Unity Platform.
However, Col Magezi strongly denied the claims, insisting that the deployments have nothing to do with hunting for any political leader.
He emphasized that the operation is strictly aimed at restoring sanity on the roads and ensuring that motorists follow the law.
He further explained that security teams are conducting checks on vehicles to confirm that they are properly registered and operating legally.
Vehicles without registration plates or with suspicious documentation are being impounded during the exercise.
Another major focus of the operation, according to the military spokesperson, is to curb the illegal use of sirens by unauthorized individuals who often misuse them to bypass traffic and intimidate other road users.
Authorities say the misuse of sirens has increasingly become a problem in many urban areas, with some drivers installing them illegally in order to force their way through traffic or avoid law enforcement.
The operation is also targeting drivers who ignore traffic rules such as speeding, reckless driving, and failure to respect road signs. Officials say these violations have been contributing to the rising number of road accidents across the country.
Col Magezi emphasized that restoring discipline on the roads is a national priority because road crashes continue to claim many lives each year. The military therefore joined hands with police to ensure strict enforcement of regulations.
He also urged motorists to cooperate with the security teams stationed at checkpoints and along highways, noting that the operation is meant to protect lives rather than intimidate citizens.
The deployment of military police and other security units has been visible in several areas, where officers have been stopping vehicles and conducting routine inspections.
While some citizens initially expressed concern about the presence of armed personnel on the roads, officials say such measures are necessary to ensure compliance with the law.
According to the UPDF spokesperson, misinformation spreading on social media has created unnecessary panic among some members of the public.
He called on Ugandans to rely on official communication channels for accurate information instead of believing unverified rumors circulating online.
The statement further reassured the public that the security operation is not politically motivated and is not directed at any individual or political group.
Political analysts say such clarifications are important in a highly charged political environment where security deployments can easily be interpreted in different ways.
Meanwhile, supporters of Bobi Wine have continued to closely monitor security activities, often expressing concerns whenever there is increased military presence in public spaces.
Despite these concerns, the UPDF maintains that the objective of the operation remains purely focused on law enforcement and public safety.
Authorities have encouraged all road users to respect traffic laws, ensure their vehicles are properly registered, and avoid engaging in illegal practices that could put lives at risk.
As the operation continues across the country, security officials say they remain committed to maintaining order and ensuring that Uganda’s roads are safer for all motorists and pedestrians.
