Uganda’s political landscape is increasingly dominated by the Special Forces Command (SFC), an elite military unit that critics describe as a private army for President Yoweri Museveni and his family. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is now in his sixth term following the controversial 2021 election. The SFC, commanded for years by Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has been accused of abducting, torturing, and killing opposition activists, raising fears of its role in suppressing dissent and ensuring the continuation of the Museveni dynasty. The SFC, established when Museveni first took office, is highly trained, well-equipped, and operates with significant autonomy, often described as a ‘shadow army’ answerable only to the president and his son. Its influence has grown to rival that of the regular army, leading to concerns of a potential power struggle in the post-Museveni era. Critics argue that the SFC’s elevation to an official military service in June 2023 legitimizes its role in political oppression. Meanwhile, opposition leaders like Bobi Wine have condemned the unit as a ‘torture squad’ responsible for regime survival through brutality. As Museveni seeks re-election in 2024, the SFC’s role in maintaining his grip on power remains a contentious issue, with analysts warning of potential instability in Uganda’s future.
The ‘shadow army’ helping Uganda’s long-serving president keep an iron grip on power
