Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, on Tuesday appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs.
The committee, chaired by Robina Rwakoojo, received Kiryowa’s presentation on 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 Huda Oleru Abason and the Minister of State for Defence for General Duties Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, Kiryowa briefed the committee on the mandate of the UPDF and key achievements recorded between 2021 and 2026.
Minister Kiryowa 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, adding that the national army 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.
Some of the key achievements 2021-2026
The Defence Minister told the committee that MODVA/UPDF had registered several milestones during the period, including security.
On this, he said there was 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.
The acquisition, refurbishment and maintenance of classified and key strategic equipment to enable rapid response to prevailing and emerging security threats.
On recruitment, he said there has been consistent recruitment in line with Article 208(2), with an average of 10,000 personnel recruited annually over the past five years to meet manpower requirements under the UPDF establishment.
He presented that continuous professional development both locally and abroad has taken place. “In 2022, MODVA established the National Defence College – Uganda (NDC -U) for advanced military and strategic training of senior military and civilian officials.”
“Since its establishment, the college has graduated 83 students in four intakes, averaging about 20 students annually. The intake is expected to rise to 30 with the inclusion of other Ministries Departments and Agencies.”
On welfare, the ministry prioritised phased salary and pension enhancements since 2022 in line with budget allocations. Pensions increased proportionately. The ministry paid shs 540,459,485,488 in pensions and ensured full and timely payment of the pension payroll.
On health, continued provision of preventive, curative, rehabilitation, palliative and psychosocial services to UPDF personnel, families and surrounding communities.
Construction of a 250-bed UPDF National Referral Hospital, with outpatient services already operational.
Ongoing programmes
The minister outlined strategic interventions under implementation, including a shs 1,863,290,218,680 budget for salary enhancement to reach the full target pay in financial year 2027/28, automation of logistics and pension systems, the food and feeds programme, and construction of the MODVA/UPDF headquarters expected to be completed and commissioned by 30 September 2026.
Other projects include the establishment of in-house UPDF fuel storage facilities and the 30,000-unit housing programme, of which 1,000 units have so far been completed.
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