Museveni’s ‘Shadow Army’ Spooks Oppositions Ahead of 2026 Elections

(The Post News) – As Uganda prepares for its 2026 general elections, the Ugandan opposition has raised alarms over the growing influence that 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni has on the special forces command (SFC), which will use them to suppress any opposing campaigns ahead of the elections.

The SFC, an eltie military unit that is widely seen as loyal to President Museveni, with critics describing it as a ‘shadow army’ that operates independently of the national defence structure and is allegedly used to intimidate political opponents and supress dissent.

Opposition Concerns

The opposition’s concerns stem from past election cycles, particularly the 2021 polls, which were marred by violence, mass arrests, and allegations of voter suppression.

According to the National Unity Platform (NUP), over 2,000 activists were abducted or detained in the lead-up to the last election. With Museveni, now 81, signalling his intent to seek re-election, opposition figures fear a repeat of these tactics.

The SFC, often seen patrolling the streets armed and masked, has been accused of acting as a private army for Museveni and his family. Its direct accountability to the president raises questions about its neutrality and role in democratic processes.

Opposition leaders argue that the unit’s unchecked power could be used to block rallies, detain candidates, and intimidate voters, especially in regions where Museveni’s support is weakest.

Shadow Army

Recent reports suggest that the SFC has already begun tightening its grip in key urban centres.

Surveillance has increased, and civil society groups report heightened restrictions on public gatherings. The opposition, according to BBC News Africa has warned that these moves could severely limit their ability to campaign freely and reach voters across the country.

Uganda’s political climate remains volatile, and the role of the SFC will be a critical factor in determining whether the 2026 elections are free, fair, and credible.

As opposition parties mobilize and civil society pushes for transparency, the government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles.