Why I didn’t contest for UPDF MP — Gen. Kainerugaba
In a statement on his X-account, Gen. Kainerugaba revealed that he believed his greatest purpose was to serve God, elsewhere, in the field where men live and die.
Jacob Marksons Oboth, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Huda Oleru Abason, Minister of State for Defence (veteran) and CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba
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The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who doubles as the Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations, has explained why he did not contest as a Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Member of Parliament (MP).
In a statement on his X-account, Gen. Kainerugaba revealed that he believed his greatest purpose was to serve God, elsewhere, in the field where men live and die.
“I didn't stand to be a UPDF Member of Parliament because I believe my greatest purpose is to serve the God of UPDF (Almighty God) elsewhere. To serve Him in the field, where men live and die,” Gen. Kainerugaba stated.
On the same platform, he congratulated all 10 newly elected UPDF Members of Parliament.
“I congratulate all our 10 newly elected UPDF members of Parliament. I wish them Almighty God's blessings during their term,” Gen. Kainerugaba stated.
It should be noted that the previous Army chiefs who included: Gen. Katumba Wamala, Gen. David Muhoozi, Gen. Wilson Mbadi and the late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, served as MPs representing the UPDF in Parliament before.
On Wednesday, acting Director Defence Public Information Officer (DDPIO), Colonel Chris Magezi, while commenting on Gen. Kainerugaba’s name missing on the final list of candidates selected to represent the army in Parliament, said, “the nomination list came from CIC, and you cannot say he opted out. That might have been strategic guidance from the CIC.”
On January 28, 2026, the army elected 10 military representatives to serve in Parliament for the 2026–2031 term, reaffirming the army’s constitutional role as one of Uganda’s special interest groups in the legislature.
The election was conducted through the Defence Forces Council electoral college and presided over by the Electoral Commission (EC) at Bombo Barracks which also serves as the headquarters for the Land Forces of the UPDF.
Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, oversaw the exercise, while the Commission’s Returning Officer, Diana Kateeba Tumusiime, announced the results after the tallying process.
The elected UPDF representatives, including three ladies, are: Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces; Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma, Deputy Coordinator Operation Wealth Creation (OWC; Lt Gen James Mugira, Managing Director, National Enterprise Cooperation; 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 Airforce.
The female representatives include; Col Night Ikiriza, Special Forces Command, Col Sylvia Meeme, Military Police; and Col Christine Nekesa, Airforce.
The military officers who served in the 11th parliament include: Gen. David Muhoozi, Gen Katumba Wamala, Gen Wilson Mbadi Mbasu, Lt. Gen Peter Elwelu, Brig Charity Bainababo, Col. Victor Nekesa; and Lt. Col Dr. Jennifer Alanyo.