Bombo, Uganda — The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Defence Council, sitting at the Land Forces Headquarters in Bombo, has elected ten representatives to the 12th Parliament.
The officers elected are Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Lt Gen James Mugira, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, Maj Gen Henry Matsiko, Maj Gen James Kinalwa, Maj Gen Joseph Ssemwanga, Brig David Robert Gonyi, Col Sylvia Meeme, Col Christine Nekesa, and Col Night Ikiriza.
Speaking at the event, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reflected on the renewed public confidence in the National Resistance Movement (NRM), likening it to the enthusiasm witnessed during the 1996 elections.
“When I was going around campaigning, I could see that we are almost running back to the enthusiasm of the people during the elections of 1996,” President Museveni said, attributing this confidence to the NRM’s historical role in resolving Uganda’s key national challenges.
The President highlighted the establishment of a disciplined national army as the first major problem addressed by the NRM.
“Ugandans had never seen a disciplined army. They were used to brutal armies, extrajudicial killings, and no accountability,” he said. “When the NRM started fighting in the rural areas, even before we took power, people saw how strict we were on discipline and respect for the wananchi.”
He cited an incident in Semuto where three soldiers killed civilians—acts he said were common under previous regimes.
“Under the NRA, there was zero tolerance. That case went to the High Command and it was decided that the three soldiers be executed,” President Museveni said, noting that such discipline earned the NRA public support even before assuming power.
The President further identified sectarianism as the second major challenge, describing it as a destructive legacy of colonialism and early post-independence politics.
During the same event, President Museveni commissioned three officer cadets to the rank of Second Lieutenant. The newly commissioned officers are 2Lt Bazalaki Tikula, a graduate of the Gen Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in Sri Lanka, and 2Lt Moses Ekoi and 2Lt Piloya Vivian, graduates of the Tanzania Military Academy.
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, underscored the UPDF’s role in safeguarding national stability.
“The UPDF is the fulcrum of the peace, security, and stability that has prevailed and continues to prevail in this country,” Justice Byabakama said, adding that it was appropriate for the institution to elect its leaders through a democratic process.
The event was attended by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Markson Oboth-Oboth; the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs), Hon. Huda Oleru Abason; the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rosette Byenyoma; the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba; Service Commanders, Members of the Joint Staff, Generals, Commanders, and other senior officers.
Keywords:
UPDF, Defence Council, 12th Parliament, UPDF MPs, Bombo, Land Forces Headquarters, Museveni, NRM, disciplined army, NRA, military elections, Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, national security, peace and stability, officer commissioning, Uganda politics, defence affairs
