Uganda deploys special forces around State House amid global tensions
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has ordered the deployment of special forces around State House in Kampala and key entry points across the country.
The move follows the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces, an event that has sent ripples through international diplomacy.
Security has been visibly tightened at Entebbe International Airport and major border crossings, with military checkpoints now screening all incoming traffic.
Museveni issued a stark warning on Sunday, stating that any aircraft entering Ugandan airspace without prior clearance would be shot down without notice.
The president’s directive comes amid heightened global alertness after the US operation in Venezuela, which Washington described as a counter-narcotics raid.
Uganda and Venezuela have maintained diplomatic relations since the early 2000s, primarily through oil trade and South-South cooperation forums.
In 2007, Museveni visited Caracas, signing agreements on energy and agriculture during Hugo Chávez’s presidency.
Those pacts positioned Uganda as a recipient of Venezuelan petroleum products under preferential terms, bolstering Kampala’s energy security.
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Tensions between the US and Venezuela have long cast a shadow over such partnerships, with sanctions disrupting oil flows to African nations like Uganda.
Addressing the nation via a brief statement, Museveni emphasised “protecting the gains” of Uganda’s stability after decades of conflict.
He framed the deployments as a pre-emptive measure against potential spillover from international flashpoints.
Analysts suggest the alert level reflects Uganda’s strategic position in East Africa, hosting regional peacekeeping missions.
The special forces unit, known as the Special Forces Group, is elite and reports directly to the president.
Neighbouring Rwanda and Kenya have yet to comment publicly, though East African Community sources report increased border vigilance.
The African Union expressed concern over unilateral military actions globally, without naming specific countries.
Britain’s Foreign Office urged calm, advising UK citizens in Uganda to follow local security advice.
Uganda’s air force operates Chinese-made Y-12 transport planes and Russian Mi-24 helicopters, equipped for interception.
Recent acquisitions include surface-to-air missiles, enhancing its ability to enforce no-fly zones.
The shoot-down warning echoes similar rhetoric from Museveni during past regional crises, such as the 2021 Ethiopian Tigray conflict.
Museveni, in power since 1986, faces ongoing opposition criticism over security overreach.
Elections in 2021 saw him secure a sixth term amid allegations of voter suppression.
Deployments around State House are not unprecedented, often linked to perceived threats from opposition or rebels.
Uganda’s tourism sector, vital to GDP, could suffer if travel advisories escalate.
Entebbe Airport handles regional flights; disruptions might affect trade with Europe and the Middle East.
Oil Oil processing, already volatile post-Venezuela events, may impact Uganda’s nascent petroleum industry.
Dr. Patience Mususa, a Kampala-based security expert, told BBC that the moves signal “vigilant deterrence rather than imminent threat.
“She noted Uganda’s history of hosting exiles, including from Latin America, as a possible factor.
International relations scholar Prof. Macharia Munene linked it to Africa’s non-aligned stance amid US-China rivalry.
The US embassy in Kampala issued a statement affirming respect for Ugandan sovereignty while denying any aggressive intent.
It reiterated commitments to bilateral security cooperation, including counter-terrorism training.
Venezuela’s envoy in Kampala was unavailable for comment as of Sunday evening.
The hashtag #ProtectingTheGains trended on X in Uganda, with supporters praising Museveni’s decisiveness.
Critics accused the government of manufacturing panic to justify military spending.
Ugandan netizens shared images of checkpoints, amplifying the story regionally.
rights group warned against excessive force at checkpoints. It called for transparency on the deployment’s duration and scope.
Similar operations in 2023 drew UN scrutiny for arbitrary arrests. The Venezuela capture has prompted African leaders to reassess ties with sanctioned regimes.
Nigeria and South Africa voiced support for multilateralism in resolving such disputes.
Uganda’s stance underscores its balancing act between Western allies and BRICS partners.
What happens next? Museveni has not specified an end date for the heightened security posture. 🪖 spokespersons promised updates as the situation evolves.
