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Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Acting spokesperson Col Chris Magezi has cautioned the opposition party, National Unity Platform against adopting a militant and aggressive posture.
Col Magezi argued that NUP is increasingly engaging in divisive politics and incitement of violence which he described as reckless and misguided adventurism.
“The NUP political grouping has in the recent past adopted an increasingly militant and aggressive posture. The leaders and supporters are engaging in highly divisive hate speech and incitement to violence. This approach is reckless and misguided adventurism, and the party would be well served to abandon that incendiary path,” he said.
Against the backdrop of the conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and tension in South Sudan, Col Magezi explained that the Great Lakes is one of the most volatile regions in the world with several armed violent organisations seeking power and influence.
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He noted that Uganda acts as a key frontline state keeping violent groups at bay.
“The Great Lakes is one of the most volatile regions in the world, with hundreds of armed violent pseudo-political organisations clamouring for power and influence. Uganda acts as a key frontline state to keep many of these violent groups at bay, some of which are terrorist in nature,” he explained before adding.
“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.”
NUP recently held a ‘foot-soldiers parade’ with their supporters and mobilisers dressed in military boots and red combat uniforms decorated to mimic military attires.
The party argues that the foot soldiers' uniform ‘instils discipline’ in them.