06/08/2026
Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka Appears Before Parliament Committee, Seeks Support for UPDF Priorities
The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, on Tuesday appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, chaired by Hon. Robina Rwakoojo, to present the state of the ministry, accountability and the resource needs of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MODVA)/UPDF.
Appearing with the Minister of State for Defence for Veterans Affairs Hon. Huda Oleru Abason and the Minister of State for Defence for General Duties Hon. Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, the minister briefed the committee on the mandate of the UPDF and key achievements recorded between 2021 and 2026 during the 11th Parliament.
Mr Kiwanuka underscored the constitutional mandate of the UPDF under Article 208 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which provides that “there shall be armed forces known as the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces, which shall be non-partisan, national in character, patriotic, professional, disciplined, productive and subordinate to the civilian authority as established under the constitution.”
He further stated that members of the UPDF shall be Ugandan citizens of good character.
He said the UPDF is mandated to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda, ensuring non-violability of people and individual rights, the rule of law and good governance.”
Key achievements 2021-2026
The Defence Minister Mr Kiwanuka told the committee that MODVA/UPDF had registered several milestones during the period, including:
Security:
Sustained peace and security during elections due to a proactive security posture, and effective control of the internal situation that prevented major disruptions to public order.
Capacity:
Acquisition, refurbishment and maintenance of classified and key strategic equipment to enable rapid response to prevailing and emerging security threats.
Recruitment:
Consistent
