President Yoweri Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has instructed newly elected UPDF Members of Parliament to take an active role in overseeing government programs and ensuring policy implementation stays on course.
Speaking in Bombo, Luweero District, on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026, Museveni told the military representatives in the 12th Parliament that their presence in the House goes beyond routine legislative duties.
“You must serve as watchdogs within government systems, identifying gaps and preventing mistakes that could derail national progress,” the President said.
President Museveni emphasized that UPDF MPs should uphold free and fair electoral processes and contribute to political stability, which he described as a cornerstone of Uganda’s governance agenda.
The military representatives were elected through the Defence Forces Council electoral college, with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), led by Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, overseeing the exercise at the Land Forces Headquarters in Bombo. Their term in Parliament runs from 2026 to 2031.
The newly elected UPDF MPs are Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Col Sylvia Meeme, Col Night Ikiriza, Lt Gen James Mugira, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, Brig Gen David Gonyi, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, Col Christine Nekesa, Maj Gen James Kinalwa, and Brig Gen Joseph Semwanga.
Their parliamentary role is constitutionally mandated, recognizing the military as a key national institution with a formal voice in legislative processes.
The engagement in Bombo also saw the participation of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces, alongside other senior military officials, affirming the expectation that UPDF MPs will serve as a stabilizing voice in Parliament, particularly on matters related to security, governance, and state programs.
Museveni’s remarks highlight a growing expectation that UPDF legislators must not only represent the military but also act as guardians of national programs, ensuring government initiatives are executed efficiently and responsibly.
