The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has called on Parliament to provide stronger backing for Uganda’s defence priorities as the government moves to expand military capacity, improve welfare and strengthen national security systems.Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs led by Hon. Robina Rwakoojo, Kiwanuka presented an overview of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs’ achievements, ongoing programmes and challenges requiring legislative and financial support.Kiwanuka, who appeared alongside State Ministers for Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon. Huda Oleru Abason and Hon. Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, as well as senior UPDF commanders and officials, reaffirmed that the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces remains guided by its constitutional mandate to protect the country’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
The minister said the UPDF has recorded significant progress between 2021 and 2026, including maintaining stability during the election period, improving operational readiness through acquisition and maintenance of military equipment, and strengthening its workforce through annual recruitment programmes.He highlighted investments in military education and leadership development, particularly the National Defence College–Uganda, which has trained 83 senior military and civilian leaders since its establishment in 2022, with plans to expand future intakes to accommodate more government institutions.On improving the lives of soldiers and veterans, Kiwanuka said government has continued enhancing salaries, pensions and healthcare services. He noted that more than Shs540.4 billion has been paid to pensioners, while medical support for soldiers, their families and neighbouring communities has been expanded.The minister also outlined major infrastructure developments, including the construction of 30,000 housing units for UPDF personnel, new strategic office facilities, improvements at the Air Force and Special Forces Command facilities, and continued investment in logistics and military equipment.
Looking into the future, Kiwanuka said the ministry is implementing a Shs1.863 trillion salary enhancement programme, digitalising pension and logistics management, developing fuel storage facilities and advancing the construction of the MODVA/UPDF headquarters expected to be completed in 2026.He asked Parliament to support defence sector reforms, including legislation for an independent management structure for the UPDF National Referral Hospital, duty-free status for the Defence Forces Shop and continued monitoring of military projects. He said budget limitations, delayed external mission funding and global security challenges remain key obstacles that require joint efforts to overcome.
