President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reassured Ugandans of the country’s overall security and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening peace and regional stability.
Delivering the State of the Nation Address at Kololo Independence Grounds, the President said Uganda remains calm and secure, despite emerging and persistent threats both within and beyond its borders.
“The general security situation in the country is calm,” President Museveni told Parliament, diplomats, and dignitaries gathered at the ceremonial event. “However, we continue to face both traditional and non-traditional threats, including terrorism, negative political activism, cross-border crime, and environmental and health risks.”
Museveni highlighted the challenges posed by regional instability, particularly conflicts in neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Sudan, and Somalia. These, he noted, have resulted in the influx of refugees, illegal immigrants, and the proliferation of small arms into Uganda.
“Our national borders are secure,” he emphasised, “but we are managing the spillover effects from the region. Our security agencies are alert and proactive.”
According to the President, the capacity of Uganda’s national security agencies—namely the Uganda Police Force, Internal Security Organization (ISO), and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF)—has been enhanced to deal with both local and transnational threats. He praised ongoing security operations in the Karamoja sub-region and across other border districts.
“The security situation in Karamoja has significantly improved,” he noted, “although there are still isolated cases of livestock thefts and incursions by Pokot and Turkana communities from Kenya. We have maintained deployments to protect neighbouring regions such as Sebei, Teso, Lango, and Acholi.”
Museveni also hailed the ongoing joint military operations in Eastern DRC under Operation Shujaa, where Ugandan troops, working alongside Congolese forces (FARDC), have continued their offensive against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group.
“Since November 2024, our joint operations have rescued 223 abductees and recovered weapons, including 13 SMGs, RPG bombs, grenades, IED-making materials, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition,” the President said. “This demonstrates our regional cooperation and resolve to eliminate terror networks.”
He reiterated government’s commitment to modernising and professionalising the armed forces. This includes investing in soldier welfare and enhancing civilian-security cooperation.
“We are improving the welfare of our security personnel, and the UPDF Construction Brigade is actively involved in national development,” Museveni said. “They have rehabilitated schools in rural areas and, together with the National Enterprises Corporation (NEC), are spearheading infrastructure projects like the renovation of Entebbe International Airport.”
The President concluded his remarks on security by emphasizing that peace and stability remain foundational to Uganda’s development goals. “Without security, there can be no progress. Our mission is clear—to defend Uganda and contribute to regional peace,” he said.