UPDF Elects 10 Military Representatives to 12th Parliament
BOMBO, LUWEERO – In an election presided over by the national electoral body, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has chosen its ten representatives to the Parliament of Uganda for the 2026-2031 term.
The exercise, held on Wednesday at the Land Forces headquarters in Bombo, was conducted by the UPDF’s Defence Forces Council electoral college. It falls under constitutional provisions that guarantee representation for special interest groups, including the army, in the legislature.
Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), oversaw the process. The IEC’s Returning Officer for the vote, Ms. Diana Kateeba Tumusiime, announced the results following the tally.
The newly elected UPDF Members of Parliament are a blend of high-ranking generals and senior officers, including three female colonels. The list is:
- Lt Gen Sam Okiding (Deputy Chief of Defence Forces & Inspector General)
- Lt Gen Sam Kavuma (Deputy Coordinator, Operation Wealth Creation)
- Lt Gen James Mugira (Managing Director, National Enterprise Corporation)
- Maj Gen Henry Masiko (Joint Staff Political Commissar)
- Maj Gen James Kinalwa (Joint Staff, Human Resource Management)
- Maj Gen Joseph Ssemwanga (Deputy Commander Land Forces)
- Brig Gen David Gonyi (Chief of Staff, Air Force)
- Col Night Ikiriza (SFC)
- Col Sylvia Meeme (Military Police)
- Col Christine Nekesa (Air Force)
The Defence Forces Council meeting was chaired by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The Council comprises the UPDF High Command, former senior officers from 1986, service chiefs, directors, commanders of various units, and other senior military leaders.
In a related event at the same venue, the President commissioned three new Officer Cadets who recently completed training abroad. They are Second Lieutenants Bazalaki Tikula (Sri Lanka), Moses Ekoi (Tanzania), and Piloya Vivian (Tanzania).
In a statement, the UPDF extended its congratulations to the newly elected and re-elected representatives, wishing them success in their parliamentary duties.
The military representatives join other special interest groups in parliament, including representatives for women, youth, workers, and persons with disabilities.
Signed:
CHRIS MAGEZI
Colonel
Acting Director Defence Public Information
MODVA/UPDF
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