President Yoweri Museveni has praised the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies for what he described as strong security operations that helped maintain stability during Uganda’s recently concluded general elections.

Museveni made the remarks on Friday while officiating as chief guest at the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations held in Kabale District. The event was held under the theme: “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace and Socioeconomic Transformation.”

During his address, Museveni said security agencies played a key role in preventing disruption during the election period. He stated that some groups had been planning very bad things but added that their alleged plans were thwarted due to the vigilance of the UPDF and other security agencies.

The President, who was declared the winner of the election with more than 70 per cent of the vote, said Uganda’s security system remains capable of responding to threats against peace and national stability. He also congratulated Ugandans, particularly residents of the Kigezi sub-region, for what he described as strong support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Earlier, Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Keinerugaba said security agencies had received intelligence suggesting that some political actors were planning to provoke violence during the election period. He said the threats were contained, adding that due to security preparedness, the 2026 general election was the most peaceful in Uganda’s history.

Museveni later urged citizens to focus on development efforts, saying the country should take advantage of the prevailing peace and stability to accelerate socioeconomic transformation.

He highlighted a number of planned infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening tourism and trade in the Kigezi region, including plans to tarmac key tourism roads, expand Kisoro airfield, and construct a standard airport in Kabale District. Museveni noted that businessman Amos Nyezi has already offered land to support the proposed Kabale airport project.

The President also revealed that government plans include building an international airport in Mbarara, which he said would enhance trade and strengthen western Uganda’s strategic position as a potential link between East Asia, particularly China, and South American countries such as Argentina and Brazil.

In addition, Museveni encouraged residents of Kigezi to embrace commercial agriculture and invest in income-generating activities such as irrigation, fertiliser use, dairy farming, fish farming, and tourism as part of broader efforts to increase household incomes and promote wealth creation.