CDF Congratulates President Museveni on 2026 Election Victory, Pledges UPDF Loyalty.
By Okidi Patrick
KABALE, UGANDA–February 7, 2026: The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has congratulated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on his victory in the 2026 general elections, hailing the polls as the most peaceful in Uganda’s history.
Speaking on Friday, February 6, during the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations in Kabale District, Gen. Kainerugaba commended both the President and Ugandan citizens for conducting a peaceful and democratic electoral process.
“I congratulate the people of Uganda on peacefully exercising your right in the just concluded presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections,” he said. “It is quite comforting that, save for a few isolated cases, security was observed in most parts of the country. Voters elected their leaders in a serene, calm, and secure environment. As a consequence, the 2026 general elections are already being called the most peaceful elections on record.”
The CDF, who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, described President Museveni’s win as “well-deserved” and “the most decisive election victory since 1996.”
“On my behalf, the officers of the UPDF, and the entire security forces of Uganda, I extend our profound congratulations to President Museveni on his victory,” he declared.
Gen. Kainerugaba further pledged the military’s unwavering loyalty to Museveni’s administration and its development agenda, noting the regional impact of Uganda’s leadership. “The people of the Great Lakes region also celebrated this victory because your visionary leadership is no longer only enjoyed by Uganda but transcends borders. We will steadfastly support you in transforming Uganda into an upper-middle-income nation.”
Security Praised for Ensuring Peaceful Polls:
President Museveni, in his address, lauded the security forces for ensuring stability during the elections, revealing that a group had attempted to disrupt the process but was swiftly neutralized.
“Our security agencies responded robustly, maintaining peace across the country,” he said.
In recognition of Gen. Kainerugaba’s service, the President awarded him a medal for his leadership in anti-Al-Shabaab operations and military missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Somalia.
New Airports to Boost Tourism and Trade:
Museveni also announced major infrastructure developments, including plans to construct an international airport in Kisoro on land donated by businessman Amos Nzeyi. The project, a collaboration with the ruler of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, aims to enhance tourism.
Additionally, the government will build a larger airport in Mbarara to facilitate trade with South America and China, surpassing Entebbe International Airport in scale.
Path to Upper-Middle-Income Status:
President Museveni reiterated Uganda’s economic ambitions, stating that the country—currently a lower-middle-income nation—has the capacity to achieve high-middle-income status.
The Tarehe Sita event was attended by ministers, Members of Parliament, senior UPDF officers, and local leaders, marking both Uganda’s military history and its political future under the vibrant leadership of H.E Gen.Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
About the Author
