UPDF Cautions NUP Against Militant Political Stance in Uganda

The UPDF has warned the National Unity Platform against adopting a militant stance, citing concerns over divisive politics and violent rhetoric. Col Chris Magezi highlighted the volatility of the Great Lakes region and Uganda’s role in countering armed groups. He assured that the UPDF will closely monitor NUP’s developments. NUP’s recent ‘foot-soldiers parade’ raised further alarms regarding potential militarization of their supporters.

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has issued a warning to the National Unity Platform (NUP), cautioning against adopting a militant posture. Col Chris Magezi, the acting spokesperson of UPDF, expressed concern regarding the NUP’s engagement in divisive politics and violent rhetoric, which he labeled as reckless and misguided. He emphasized the need for NUP to abandon such incendiary approaches to politics, noting their implications on national stability.

Col Magezi elaborated on the challenges facing the Great Lakes region, particularly pointing to the ongoing conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and tensions in South Sudan. He characterized the Great Lakes as a highly volatile area plagued by numerous armed groups seeking power. Uganda plays a critical role as a frontline state, working to prevent the advance of these violent organizations, some of which are classified as terrorists.

The spokesperson reiterated the UPDF’s commitment to monitoring the developments surrounding NUP closely. He stated, “As one of the most experienced and vigilant counter-insurgency forces in the world, the UPDF and sister security services are watching the NUP development very closely and will not hesitate to take decisive countermeasures as appropriate.”

In response to this tension, NUP recently organized a ‘foot-soldiers parade’ where participants donned military-style uniforms, asserting that such attire promotes discipline among their ranks. This event has further fueled the concerns expressed by UPDF regarding NUP’s militaristic undertones, positioning the event amidst the ongoing discourse about political violence in Uganda.

The UPDF’s warning to the NUP underscores the potential dangers of militant rhetoric in Ugandan politics, particularly against the backdrop of regional instability. Col Magezi’s comments reveal heightened vigilance by security forces concerning NUP’s recent activities. The emphasis on monitoring these developments suggests a proactive stance by UPDF in maintaining national peace and security amidst rising political tensions.

Original Source: www.pulse.ug