When guns govern public health: Examining the implications of the militarised COVID-19 pandemic response for democratisation and human rights in Uganda

The article is premised on the hypothesis that Uganda Peoples' Defence Force (UPDF) and attendant auxiliary forces are not an ideal force for domestic deployment in contending with public health pandemics such as COVID-19. UPDF has been main architectural tool deployed by National Resistance Movement party, a former guerilla movement, to perpetuate militarisation country past 30 years. conduct, power, authority prominent position accorded management of COVID-19 enforcement prevention measures laid bare this reality. Thus, unlike other jurisdictions where militaries were because their superior capability adapt provide extra immediate professional services support civilian authorities, was different. It informed long-held widely-documented belief President Uganda, Museveni, UPDF, which developed from his personal guerrilla army Army (NRA), only holds legitimate vision far more reliable. pandemic, therefore, opportunity continue deliberate build-up normalisation infiltration military what have hitherto spheres operation civil servants. critical question arises whether primary motivation factor political, accentuate presidency Museveni power through militarisation. also any positive harvests fight against unintended consequences and, if they did materialise, how used further glorify centrality dealing societal crises, entrenching militarism. concludes some recommendations emphasising need accountability - so, parliamentary oversight situations counter breach rights freedoms. Additionally, would check current trend executive having exclusive deploy military, making it susceptible hijacking eventual politicisation