Ugandan security forces have launched a sweeping operation against what they describe as a resurgence of rebel activity and coordinated acts of economic sabotage in various parts of the country, with several suspects arrested and investigations ongoing.
In a statement released Friday, Col. Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, revealed that intelligence and security agencies have over recent months apprehended individuals suspected of orchestrating armed rebellion, plotting bomb attacks in public spaces, and sabotaging national infrastructure—particularly power lines—in central Uganda.
Districts such as Wakiso, Mukono, Kayunga, Luweero, Nakaseke, Kiboga, Nakasongola, Mityana, Mubende, Mpigi, and the greater Masaka region have borne the brunt of infrastructure vandalism, prompting heightened security surveillance.
Some of the suspects, Magezi noted, had previously been affiliated with opposition political groups, especially the National Unity Platform (NUP), and are currently facing prosecution in courts of law.
“The Inter-Agency Security Committee, chaired by the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces and comprising the Uganda Police, Prisons Services, and Intelligence Organisations, is actively coordinating efforts to infiltrate and dismantle subversive cells,” Magezi stated. These groups, he warned, are targeting vulnerable urban youth, particularly in Kampala’s ghetto communities, with recruitment into anti-government activities.
He said the committee had resolved to take “firm action” against rebel ring leaders and financiers, accusing them of attempting to destabilize the country ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In a significant diplomatic twist, the statement accused some accredited foreign missions in Kampala of funding and facilitating dissident activities. In particular, the German Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Mathias Schauer, was cited for allegedly engaging in “undiplomatic practices” that violate the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
“The government of Uganda is addressing the matter through appropriate diplomatic channels,” said Magezi, warning that such interference would not be tolerated.
Security authorities urged Ugandan youth to reject recruitment into rebel movements, advising them instead to embrace government youth development and wealth creation programmes.
“The local treacherous lot and agents of foreign manipulation in the politics and security of our country will continue to be identified, isolated, and dealt with firmly in accordance with the laws of the land,” the statement concluded.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) reaffirmed its commitment to national stability and vowed to protect the country from any internal or external threats.
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