The Joint Staff Political Commissar, Maj Gen Henry Matsiko Ndarubweine, has urged youth in Kabale District to remain vigilant against what he described as renewed attempts by foreign interests to undermine Africa as Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections.
Maj Gen Ndarubweine made the remarks on Sunday evening while officiating at the Kabale Youth Universities and Institutions’ Meetup, held at Kabale Brainstorm High School in Kabale Municipality as part of the Tarehe Sita Defence Forces Week (DFW) activities. The meeting was held under the theme “Transforming the Youth into Good Patriots.”
He cautioned that some foreign actors are allegedly seeking to destabilize African countries, particularly those endowed with natural resources, before reasserting influence through aid, grants, or what he termed self-seeking politicians and organizations.
The General warned that following the discovery of oil in Hoima District, Uganda could increasingly attract external interest driven by jealousy over the country’s anticipated socio-economic transformation.
Reflecting on Uganda’s colonial history, Maj Gen Ndarubweine said that before independence, many Ugandans—especially the Bakiga in Kabale—were subjected to humiliation and dehumanization by colonial authorities.
He cited historical accounts, including discriminatory signage near the former White Horse Inn Hotel, as reminders of the injustices suffered. He called on the youth to reject any form of recolonization and to stand firm in defending Africa’s sovereignty.
He also claimed that recent international actions, citing alleged United States aggression against Venezuela, illustrate what he described as a shift from diplomatic pressure to open coercion after the use of grants and threats. He said such examples should serve as a warning to African nations to guard their independence.
Maj Gen Ndarubweine further stressed that as a contributor to peacekeeping efforts across the continent, Uganda will not tolerate election-related violence or hooliganism.
He assured the public that security forces are committed to safeguarding peace, stability, and national sovereignty before, during, and after the elections.
The Kabale Resident District Commissioner, Rtd Maj Godfrey Katamba, echoed similar sentiments, alleging that foreign interests are using government opponents to destabilize the country ahead of the presidential elections.
Katamba challenged the youth to protect the peace and stability achieved under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
He also called for a change in mindset among young people, arguing that many have become “slaves of the mind” by waiting for miracles instead of actively working toward improving their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Public Information Officer, Maj Tabaro Kiconco, emphasized the responsible use of media, recalling that during a period of bomb attacks in Kampala and other parts of the country, Uganda’s decision to deploy troops to Somalia under AMISOM initially faced public criticism.
Maj Kiconco said the UPDF used media platforms to explain the mission, which later helped the public understand its importance.
He urged the youth to counter misleading information on media platforms, particularly claims suggesting plans for post-election violence in the event of political dissatisfaction.
He warned that such narratives pose a serious threat to national security and noted that security agencies continue to monitor and analyze online statements to ensure peace during and after the elections.
He also encouraged young people to form peace teams to counter misinformation and promote peaceful electoral processes.
This year’s Tarehe Sita celebrations will be held on 6th February at the National Teachers’ College (NTC) Grounds in Kabale under the theme “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honoring the Sacrifice of Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace, and Socio-Economic Transformation.”
