New Defence Minister Assumes Role With Pledge to Support Veterans

The newly appointed Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has officially assumed office.

Kiwanuka took office alongside the newly appointed state ministers, Dr Huda Oleru and Grace Ngabirano, during a handover ceremony at the joint Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) headquarters in Mbuya.

Speaker of Parliament and outgoing Defence minister Jacob Oboth formally handed over office to Kiwanuka.

Oleru assumed office as Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veterans), while Ngabirano took office as Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence).

In his remarks, Oboth assured the incoming minister that he was joining a dedicated institution committed to service.

“This is the only ministry or government institution where everyone works. It has dedicated personnel who are always ready to serve,” he said.

Oboth described his tenure as Defence minister as both a privilege and a profound duty.

He commended Permanent Secretary Rosettie Byengoma and the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for their hard work and commitment to the smooth running of the ministry.

Kiwanuka thanked President Yoweri Museveni for entrusting him with the responsibility and paid tribute to his predecessors for their service.

The former Attorney General emphasised the need to balance legality and strength in national defence.

“A nation’s defence must be lawful, and a lawful defence must be strong,” Kiwanuka said.

Kiwanuka said modern security threats now go beyond border concerns. He cited terrorism, cyberattacks and climate-related security challenges.

He pledged to ensure that all ministry activities, procurement processes and policies follow the law. He also promised to improve the welfare of veterans and address delays in the payment of their benefits and entitlements.

Oboth praised Gen Kainerugaba’s stewardship, especially the infrastructural developments at the ministry headquarters. They include perimeter wall fencing and the construction of new buildings.

Oboth expressed confidence in Kiwanuka’s ability to advance the ministry’s agenda.

“I am very confident that under your stewardship, the ministry will build upon the achievements made and continue advancing Uganda’s defence and veteran affairs agenda,” he said.

Oleru thanked the President and the UPDF leadership for entrusting her with the responsibility again.

“My priority will be to strengthen programmes that improve access to pensions, healthcare, livelihood support, and other services that promote dignity and the well-being of those who served our nation,” she said.

Ngabirano pledged to work hard and build on the legacy of her predecessor, the late Sarah Mateke.

“I am happy to be joining at a time when we are embracing the spirit of ‘Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo.’ I believe in hard work and results. With the committed forces surrounding us, the sky will be the limit for Uganda,” she said.

Byengoma described Oboth as a hardworking, approachable and dedicated leader who led with humility, openness and genuine concern.

She said he fostered teamwork, kept an open-door policy and supported colleagues in delivering the ministry’s mandate.

“His remarkable sense of humour brought people together, eased tensions during demanding moments, and contributed to a positive and productive working environment,” she said.

Byengoma thanked Oboth for his service, leadership and commitment to the ministry.

“Under his leadership, the ministry achieved several notable milestones, and we have no doubt that he will continue to excel in his new appointment,” she added.

She congratulated the incoming ministers and assured them of the ministry’s full support and cooperation as they take on their new duties.

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, congratulated the newly appointed ministers and welcomed them to what he described as a unique institutional family.

“We go by God’s choice, especially on matters concerning our well-being. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a time for everything,” he said.

Okiding also commended Kiwanuka for his previous collaboration with the UPDF during his tenure as Attorney General. He pledged the force’s continued support.

“Your role is to provide leadership and direction, and we shall do the work,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by under secretaries, UPDF leaders, generals, senior officers, commissioners and other ministry officials.