A new research on political pluralism and democracy in Uganda has pinned the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for derailing democracy in the country through its acts of intimidating voters.
UPDF Chief, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima (NV)
The research conducted by the German firm Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in seven districts of Uganda says the voting process has been marred by intimidation from Uganda Military.
The Uganda Ministry of Defence and UPDF spokesman Felix Kulayije however denied the allegations. He challenged the researchers to identify specific army officers involved in intimidating voters so that they can be prosecuted.
Kulayije says there is no way Uganda Army can intimidate voters because the 2006 Uganda Army guidelines on poltitics doesn’t allow them to get involved in politics.
The Army spokesman says the Uganda Army respects democracy and the rule of law and continues to tow a non partisan line. He says the cases of military intimidation of voters were isolated and does not represent the general position of the UPDF.
Recently, the head of the UPDF, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima said the Army will always help the Uganda Police to quell political demonstrations if called upon.