Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba
For the first time in Uganda’s political history, a serving Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) has declined to seek election as a Member of Parliament representing the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
On Tuesday evening, the UPDF elected 10 representatives to the 12th Parliament, but notably absent from the list was Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the current CDF.
Traditionally, holders of the CDF office have sought and secured seats in Parliament as army representatives, making Muhoozi’s decision a significant departure from long-standing practice.
Elected UPDF Representatives to the 12th Parliament
The following officers were elected to represent the army in Parliament:
- Lt Gen Sam Okiding – Deputy Chief of Defence Forces & Inspector General
- Lt Gen Sam Kavuma – Deputy Coordinator, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC)
- Lt Gen James Mugira – Managing Director, National Enterprise Corporation (NEC)
- 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, Air Force
Female representatives:
- Col Night Ikiriza – Special Forces Command (SFC)
- Col Sylvia Meeme – Military Police
- Col Christine Nekesa – Air Force
A Break from Precedent
While Lt Gen Sam Okiding, the Deputy CDF, offered himself for election and was duly elected, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba chose not to contest.
Historically, every Chief of Defence Forces has served as an army MP during their tenure. The only notable exception was the late Gen. James Kazini, who reportedly did not join Parliament due to the absence of academic qualifications required at the time.
Muhoozi’s decision therefore marks a rare moment in Uganda’s civil-military political history and has already sparked discussion among political analysts about its implications.
Implications
Analysts say the move may signal an intention by the CDF to separate military command from legislative politics, or to avoid perceptions of over-politicisation of the UPDF leadership.
However, neither Gen. Muhoozi nor the UPDF leadership has issued an official explanation for the decision.
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