The recent security reshuffles have seen the army take up security operations in the central business district of Kampala. Many critics have questioned the moved as the country is counting down to the January 14 polls.
In an exclusive interview with Vision Group, Commander in Chief President Yoweri Museveni reveal reasons behind the move to have UPDF soldiers from Somalia deployed in Kampala.
According to Museveni, the opposition has continously been threatening to burn and cause chaos in Kampala ahead of elections.
Additionally the November Bobi Wine protects were a wake up call for security to be beefed up in Kampala. Museveni said these forced him to recall soldiers from Somalia to help in harmonizing peace in the city.
“The Opposition has been threatening to burn petrol stations in Kampala. I want to assure you no one is going to burn Kampala down,” said Museveni.
Recently Museveni appointed Maj. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga as the Kampala joint security operations coordinator to link between joint operations of the police force, the military and intelligence agencies.
Muhanga joined his fellow army men who are in charge including Maj Gen Paul Lokech as Deputy IGP; Maj Gen Sam Kawagga, the commander of first division Kakiri, Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, chief of staff land forces, Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, commander Chieftaincy of military Intelligence,Brig Gen CS Ddamulira, director crime intelligence in police.
With such deployments, Museveni is confident that the people can peacefully cast their vote come January 14.