UPDF Army Council Elects 10 MPs to Parliament Ahead of 2026–2031 Term

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has elected ten representatives to serve in the 12th Parliament for the 2026–2031 term following polls conducted by the Defence Forces Council electoral college.

The election was held today at the Land Forces Headquarters in Bombo, Luweero District, and was presided over by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), chaired by Justice Simon Byabakama. The Defence Forces Council meeting was chaired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

According to results announced by the Returning Officer for the UPDF parliamentary elections, Kateeba Tumusiime Diana, the exercise concluded successfully with senior officers from across the UPDF ranks securing seats in Parliament.

Those elected include:

Lt Gen Sam Okiding

Lt Gen Sam Kavuma

Lt Gen James Mugira

Maj Gen Henry Masiko

Maj Gen James Kinalwa

Maj Gen Joseph Ssemwanga

Brig Gen David Gonyi

Col Night Ikiriza (Female)

Col Sylvia Meeme (Female)

Col Christine Nekesa (Female)

The elected officers represent the UPDF in Parliament under the special interest group arrangement provided for in Uganda’s Constitution, which allocates seats to the military to ensure the perspectives of the defence forces are represented in national legislation and oversight.

The Army Council, which serves as the electoral college for the UPDF parliamentary representatives, convened earlier in the day at Bombo Military Barracks. Voting was conducted among eligible council members in accordance with established military and electoral procedures, under the supervision of the IEC to ensure transparency and credibility of the process.

The inclusion of three female officers—Colonels Night Ikiriza, Sylvia Meeme, and Christine Nekesa—underscores ongoing efforts to promote gender representation within the armed forces and in national governance structures.

The newly elected MPs will take up their seats in the 12th Parliament, joining other representatives from special interest groups such as workers, youth, persons with disabilities, and older persons, following the 2026 general elections.

Their tenure is expected to focus on contributing to legislative debates, national security oversight, defence policy formulation, and broader national development issues, drawing on their extensive military experience. 

With this election, the UPDF has completed a key constitutional requirement ahead of the 2026–2031 parliamentary term, reinforcing the role of the military within Uganda’s representative governance framework.