Shadow Army: How Uganda’s Elite Unit Keeps Museveni’s Power Untouchable

An elite military unit, accused of torture and abductions, has become a powerful tool in ensuring President Museveni’s decades-long grip on Uganda’s leadership remains firm.

Toting sub-machine guns and sometimes wearing masks as they patrol Uganda’s streets, members of the Special Forces Command (SFC) are increasingly seen as a private army tasked with preserving 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni’s power and family dynasty. Museveni, in power since 1986, has weathered multiple elections marred by allegations of rigging and violence.

A History of Power Through Force

Since Uganda gained independence in 1962, power transitions have only happened through rebellions or coups. Museveni is seeking another term in 2026, with the opposition fearing that the SFC will be used to suppress their campaigns as allegedly happened in 2021.

Accusations and Denials

Critics accuse the SFC, once commanded by Museveni’s son Muhoozi Kainerugaba, of abducting, torturing, and killing opposition activists. Though the SFC denies these allegations, military insiders describe it as “a shadow army within the army” answerable only to the president and his son.

A Family Dynasty in Uniform

Gen Kainerugaba, now army chief, has also enlisted his son, extending the Museveni family’s influence. His public mockery of senior generals and controversial remarks have stirred tension within military and political circles.

A Rival Power Within the Army

Analysts say the SFC’s influence rivals the regular army. Observers fear a possible clash between the two forces similar to the situation in Sudan should internal tensions grow. Established at the start of Museveni’s presidency, the SFC’s motto declares: “There is no substitute for loyalty.”

Elite and Loyal Soldiers

According to Dr. Gerald Bareebe, the SFC is Uganda’s most powerful military unit—highly trained, well-funded, and well-armed. Both the army and the SFC declined to comment, but Museveni has previously defended the unit, calling it a protector of national interests.

Family Rule and Military Might

Museveni’s critics argue that Uganda has effectively become his family’s fiefdom. His wife is education minister, his son army chief, and his grandson’s recent enlistment extends the dynasty. With 10,000 members, the SFC is second only to the regular army’s 40,000.

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Extending Influence Beyond Borders

The SFC’s reach has been felt beyond Uganda. It is widely suspected of crossing into Kenya to capture opposition politician Kizza Besigye last November. The army prosecutor later acknowledged the involvement of Ugandan security forces.

A Tool for Regime Protection

Dr. Bareebe describes the SFC’s core mission as regime protection. It shields the ruling National Resistance Movement from internal dissent and external threats. Officers have faced trials for abuse of power, including a soldier sentenced to death for killing three people.

Fear and Intimidation

The unit has been linked to several torture cases. In May, soldiers were accused of assaulting a boda boda driver caught in a presidential convoy. Around the same time, Gen Kainerugaba admitted detaining opposition leader’s bodyguard Edward Sebuufu, posting his shaved-head photo online in mockery.

Legalizing a Shadow Unit

Despite accusations, parliament passed a law in June recognizing the SFC as an official branch of the military. Opposition MPs criticized the move, arguing the unit should be disbanded, not legitimized.

Ethnic Control and Loyalty

Military insiders claim the SFC is dominated by officers from Museveni’s Banyankore ethnic group to guarantee loyalty. Of six SFC commanders since 2007, five hail from Museveni’s home region.

Uncertain Future After Museveni

Analysts warn of a potential power struggle in a post-Museveni Uganda. Rival military factions could clash, leading to instability. Others argue Gen Kainerugaba may unify the factions and extend the Museveni dynasty.

Voices of the Opposition

Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, calls the SFC a “torture squad.” He and other activists accuse the unit of brutality, impunity, and serving as a tool to silence dissent.

Source: bbc.com

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