Uganda Peoples Defence Forces, UPDF, have broken silence on the recently reinforced military deployments in Kampala and Wakiso Districts, something that has since sparked outrage among opposition leaders.

Specialized military units are visible at most police stations in the two districts while regular night patrols are also conducted.

Yesterday, the opposition Forum for Democratic Change FDC Spokesman, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda who also doubles as the Chief Opposition Whip told journalists expressed concern over the presence of army doing patrols in Kampala metropolitan area.

According to Ssemujju the army is taking over the responsibility of police and the authority has not explained to the citizens the need for army deployment.

However, Defence Spokesman Brigadier Richard says that “partisan politics will not deter the security forces from conducting one of its functions of protecting life and property.”

He said, “Where there is need, the UPDF will always be ready and available to provide support to the Police in preventing and detecting crime in any part of the country since they were told by officials that the army now takes lead in responding to security emergencies.

He noted that intelligence obtained reports that criminals planned to increase attacks on private residences and even police stations during the festive season hence the massive deployment of the military.