Ten representatives of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) took their oaths of office to serve in the 12th Parliament of Uganda.
The three-day swearing-in ceremony took place at Parliament House in Kampala from May 13 to May 15, 2026. This event followed the inauguration of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for another term at Kololo Independence Grounds on May 12.
The inclusion of the military aligns with the 1995 Constitution, which mandates parliamentary representation for Special Interest Groups. President Museveni continues to advocate for this system to ensure that the armed forces, youth, workers, and women have a direct voice in national decision-making.
Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and a newly elected lawmaker, expressed gratitude to the President for stabilizing the country. He also commended the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for maintaining security across the nation.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that Uganda remains stable, fight the common enemy which is poverty so that our people are uplifted, and also combat corruption for the prosperity of our nation,” Lieutenant General Okiding said.
The newly sworn-in military legislators include prominent commanders from various service arms. Among them are Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma, Commander of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), and Lieutenant General James Mujira, Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC).
Other representatives include Major General Henry Matsiko, Major General James Kinalwa, Major General Joseph Ssemwanga, and Brigadier General David Gonyi. Colonel Night Ikiriza, Colonel Sylvia Meme, and Colonel Christine Nekesa will also represent the army.
Lieutenant General Okiding pledged that the army representatives would serve the legislature with total integrity. The deployment marks the official start of their legislative duties to support national development, security, and governance.
