BOMBO, LUWEERO: 28 January 2026– The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has officially elected its 10 representatives for the upcoming 12th Parliament (2026–2031). The high-stakes election, held today at the Land Forces Headquarters in Bombo, saw a mix of high-ranking military officials and fresh faces designated to voice the interests of the armed forces in the national assembly.
The exercise was conducted by the Electoral Commission (EC), led by Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama. After a rigorous tallying process, Returning Officer Ms. Diana Kateeba Tumusiime declared the winners who will represent the military—one of Uganda’s constitutional Special Interest Groups alongside youth, women, workers, and persons with disabilities.
The newly elected MPs are; Lt. Gen Sam Okiding, D/CDF & IG Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, Deputy Coordinator OWC Lt Gen James Mugira, MD NEC Maj Gen Henry Masiko, Joint Staff Political Commissar Maj Gen James Kinalwa, Joint Staff HRM Maj Gen Joseph Ssemwanga, Dep Comd Land Forces Brig Gen David Gonyi, Chief of Staff Airforce Col Night Ikiriza (female), SFC Col Sylvia Meeme (female), Military Police Col Christine Nekesa (female), Airforce.
Presidential Address and Commissioning
The Defence Forces Council meeting was chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief. The council consists of the UPDF High Command, senior officers from the 1986 liberation era, and various service chiefs and commanders.
In a dual-purpose event, the President also commissioned three young Officer Cadets who recently completed international training. The newly commissioned officers are:
2Lt Bazalaki Tikula (Trained in Sri Lanka)
2Lt Moses Ekoi (Trained in Tanzania)
2Lt Piloya Vivian (Trained in Tanzania).
A “Tour of Duty” Begins
In a statement released by Colonel Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, the UPDF congratulated the successful candidates. “The UPDF congratulates the newly elected and re-elected representatives to the 12th Parliament and wishes them good luck in their tour of duty,” the statement read.
The election of these representatives ensures the military remains a stakeholder in the legislative process as Uganda transitions into the 2026–2031 political term.
