Kiryowa Kiwanuka

Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs of the Republic of Uganda

[Kiryowa Kiwanuka @KiryowaKk]

I have been sworn in as Minister of Defence & Veteran Affairs. I would like to thank HE @KagutaMuseveni yet again, for the privilege of leadership that he has bestowed on me.

With God’s help, I pledge to honorably serve my country.

For God and My Country.🙏🏾🙏🏾

[Chris Magezi @ChrisOMagezi]

Uganda Pledges Air Rescue Capabilities to Eastern Africa Standby Force

Kampala, Tuesday 11 August 2026

The Republic of Uganda has pledged to provide Search and Air Rescue capabilities to support the Air Component of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) to strengthen its capacity to respond to security threats and humanitarian emergencies.

The commitment was announced during a high-level meeting between Uganda's Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, and a delegation led by EASF Director, Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, at the Ministry's headquarters in Mbuya, Uganda.

The discussions followed the recent 36th Ordinary Policy Working Group meeting in Kampala and a comprehensive verification exercise to assess Uganda's operational readiness, interoperability, and pledged equipment.

The verification activities were conducted at the Uganda Police Force, the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre in Singo, and the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability in Jinja.

In his remarks, Minister Kiwanuka said that strengthening regional preparedness was critical to ensuring that countries develop the capacity to address security challenges on the continent.

"This continued strengthening of our regional preparedness is extremely important," Hon. Kiwanuka stated.

"The President always emphasises that we must find African solutions to African problems. We can no longer hope that someone from outside our home will ensure our strategic security. With the recent shift in external funding to African peace keeping missions, we have reached a point where we must grow up and sustain these capabilities ourselves."

He said Uganda was committed to sustaining the capabilities it has pledged to the EASF and assured the delegation that its search and air rescue capabilities would be made available to the regional force.

"Everything available to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) is available to the people of Eastern Africa in as far as it pertains to maintaining peace and security. Our existence as Uganda is anchored on the safety of our neighbours. We cannot be an island of peace," said Hon. Kiwanuka.

Brigadier General Rwivanga said that the EASF verification team was satisfied with the operational readiness, equipment and capabilities presented by Uganda.

"We verified the UPDF and police standard policies and were very satisfied with the equipment and operational readiness on display," Brig Gen Rwivanga said.

"The readiness is evident, not just from the physical outfit, but from the vast experience our troops have gained over years of operations in Somalia. The UPDF, police, and civilian components form a multidimensional force that captures the complete elements of modern peace support."

The Director highlighted a strategic shift within the EASF toward humanitarian assistance and disaster response, a domain requiring enhanced regional collaboration.

"We realised that in disaster scenarios, we need a collective regional capacity to respond to natural calamities," Brig Gen Rwivanga stated.

He observed that while Ethiopia has pledged strategic C-130 transport aircraft, Kenya will provide air reconnaissance, and Rwanda offers medical humanitarian assets, Uganda's air rescue capabilities represent a critical missing piece.

"With Uganda’s tested rescue capability now on board, we can significantly mitigate the impact of disasters across our region. We must always be ready for the worst-case scenario, and working together remains the most effective way to address any crisis beyond our borders.”

The State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence), Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, said that solidarity is essential for achieving lasting peace on the continent, stressing that a united Africa is better placed to protect its people and respond to emerging security challenges.

[COMMANDER ONE BLITZ @Commander1Blitz]

Defence Minister Receives EASF Director

Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. @KiryowaKk, today received the Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, in Mbuya

The meeting on the sidelines of the 36th EASF Policy Organs Meetings focused on Uganda’s continued commitment to the regional force, operational readiness and strengthening regional peace and security cooperation.

#EASF #36thPolicyOrgansMeetings #Uganda

[PLU TELEVISION (PLU TV) @Plumedia1]

Just in;
Ruhamya Kainerugaba and Bakira Ruyondo have successfully completed their training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

The proud moment was shared with Afande CDF, Gen. @mkainerugaba, and the family as they celebrated this remarkable achievement.

Congratulations to both officers on this outstanding milestone. 🇺🇬🎖️

[Hon Mwesigye Frank @MwesigyeFranks]

One of the best videos on the internet, Afande Ruhamya saluting his father. It’s truly a beautiful and heartwarming moment.

[EASF @EASF4Peace]

EASF has successfully verified the UPDF's readiness for regional peace support operations at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre in Singo. The exercise confirmed the force's operational preparedness for rapid deployment in support of regional peace and security. #EASF #UPDF #PeaceSupportOperations

[Chris Magezi @ChrisOMagezi]

EASF Reassured by UPDF’s Readiness for Regional Peace Support Operations

Nakaseke, Friday 7 August 2026

The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has conducted a verification exercise of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) deployment capabilities for peace support operations at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-TC) in Singo.

The exercise, conducted under the EASF Activity Plan 2026, assessed the personnel and equipment Uganda has pledged to the regional standby force as part of efforts to ensure member states maintain a multidimensional capability ready for rapid deployment in support of peace operations across Eastern Africa.

Leading the EASF delegation, Force Commander Brigadier General Stephen Maina Huria commended the UPDF for its professionalism, high training standards, and continued commitment to advancing collective regional security.

"We are really excited and happy that you have joined in this, and we are in this together because when you consider yourself as East Africa's Standby Force, you're part of it. I am really impressed by the way you conduct your training. It is very detailed," Brig Gen Huria said.

He said the verification exercise had confirmed the battalion's operational readiness and ability to contribute to future regional peace support missions.

"The troops are mission-ready and highly motivated, well equipped for the task. I can assure you, I am fully satisfied that your forces are ready," he said.

The Commandant of the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre, Colonel Moses Nabaasa, said the centre remains a key institution in preparing military personnel for regional and international peace support operations, underscoring Uganda's longstanding commitment to collective security under both African Union and international frameworks.

"Our commitment has been demonstrated through our contributions to global peace and security through active participation in peace support operations in various regional countries like Somalia, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and many other theatres where we found ourselves as UPDF operators in peace in the whole region," Col Nabaasa said.

He noted that the standby force had been trained in accordance with EASF and United Nations standards and remains prepared for rapid deployment whenever called upon.

"We have no doubt that our Standby Force has all the attributes required. Once given an opportunity at short notice to operate in any environment, we are always ready for the cause," he said.

Col Nabaasa added that the contingent had undergone comprehensive individual and collective training to meet operational requirements and enhance interoperability with other regional forces.

The verification exercise also assessed Uganda's pledged police and civilian components, reflecting the multidimensional approach to peace support operations promoted under the African Union Peace and Security Architecture.

The Eastern Africa Standby Force is a regional security mechanism comprising Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda, established to strengthen collective responses to conflicts and humanitarian crises across the region.

[Yoweri K Museveni @KagutaMuseveni]

I have arrived back home after a productive two-day working visit to the United Republic of Tanzania. I thank H.E. Dr. @SuluhuSamia Hassan and the people of Tanzania for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation

[Chris Magezi @ChrisOMagezi]

Defence Ministers Appear Before Parliamentary Committee, Seek Support for UPDF Priorities

The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, on Tuesday appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, chaired by Hon. Robina Rwakoojo, to present the state of the ministry, accountability and the resource needs of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MODVA)/UPDF.

Appearing with the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence) Hon Akifeza Grace Ngabirano and the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs) Hon Huda Abason Oleru, minister Kiwanuka briefed the committee on the mandate of the UPDF and key achievements recorded between 2021 and 2026 during the 11th Parliament.

Mr Kiwanuka underscored the constitutional mandate of the UPDF under Article 208 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which provides that “there shall be armed forces known as the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces, which shall be non-partisan, national in character, patriotic, professional, disciplined, productive and subordinate to the civilian authority as established under the constitution.”
He further stated that members of the UPDF shall be Ugandan citizens of good character.

He said the UPDF is mandated to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda, ensuring non-violability of people and individual rights, the rule of law and good governance.”

Key achievements 2021-2026

The Defence Minister Mr Kiwanuka told the committee that MODVA/UPDF had registered several milestones during the period, including:

Security:

Sustained peace and security during elections due to a proactive security posture, and effective control of the internal situation that prevented major disruptions to public order.

Capacity:

Acquisition, refurbishment and maintenance of classified and key strategic equipment to enable rapid response to prevailing and emerging security threats.

Recruitment:

Consistent recruitment in line with Article 208(2), with an average of 10,000 personnel recruited annually over the past five years to meet manpower requirements under the UPDF establishment.

Training:

Continuous professional development both locally and abroad. In 2022, MODVA established the National Defence College - Uganda (NDC -U) for advanced military and strategic training of senior military and civilian officials. Since its establishment, the college has graduated 83 students in four intakes, averaging about 20 students annually. The intake is expected to rise to 30 with the inclusion of other Ministries Departments and Agencies.

Welfare:

Phased salary and pension enhancements since 2022 in line with budget allocations. Pensions increased proportionately. The ministry paid Shs 540,459,485,488 in pensions and ensured full and timely payment of the pension payroll.

Health:

Continued provision of preventive, curative, rehabilitation, palliative and psychosocial services to UPDF personnel, families and surrounding communities. Construction of a 250-bed UPDF National Referral Hospital, with outpatient services already operational.

Education and welfare:

Provision of formal education to children of soldiers and surrounding communities, operation of the Defence Forces Shop on duty-free terms, and infrastructure development including 30,000 housing units for UPDF, joint strategic headquarters office blocks, a new administration block at Air Force Headquarters, and an SFC Airborne administration block.

Logistics:

Provision of food, clothing, accommodation, petroleum, oils and lubricants, and maintenance of equipment.

Veterans Affairs:

Improved veteran care through payment of gratuity before retirement and timely pensions, and engagement in productive activities for socio-economic development and food security through NEC, the Department of Production and Welfare, and veterans’ SACCOs.

[Sharon Kyomugisha @SharonKyomugis2]

African troop-contributing countries have been urged to fast-track new support arrangements for Somalia before UN logistical support ends on December 31, 2026.
“These are difficult circumstances, but they also call for our unity, creativity and resolve,” CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba said.

[The Kampala Post @KampalaPost]

Africa Will Not Abandon Somalia, Says President Museveni
https://t.co/ze7q6fLA6s

[𝐆𝐂𝐈𝐂_𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 & 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 @GCICsecurity]

The summit is being attended by the Heads of State and Government of Troop-Contributing Countries.  They include; Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, and Somalia.  In additional, senior officials from the United Nations, – among them the Under-Secretary for Peacekeeping Operations, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, and the Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS)
@mkainerugaba
@KiryowaKk

[Kiryowa Kiwanuka @KiryowaKk]

@kadabrastabra @NalukwagoJudith @RonaldBalimwezo Okay.

[Kiryowa Kiwanuka @KiryowaKk]

@kadabrastabra @NalukwagoJudith @RonaldBalimwezo Okay if you say so!!

[Kiryowa Kiwanuka @KiryowaKk]

@kadabrastabra @NalukwagoJudith @RonaldBalimwezo And delivered!!

KCCA has been trying to get on top of this. It’s been tough with the volumes but they are still trying to resolve the garbage situation.

[Kiryowa Kiwanuka @KiryowaKk]

@KwikirizaNova Are you sure you are not wrong?

[Kiryowa Kiwanuka @KiryowaKk]

@srukundo @sandorwalusimbi Definitely

[Kiryowa Kiwanuka @KiryowaKk]

We have done our part. I hope you have too!!

Let’s protect the place we call home.

Together for a cleaner community.

[Kiryowa Kiwanuka @KiryowaKk]

@TimKalyegira Feedback received.

[Kiryowa Kiwanuka @KiryowaKk]

@TimKalyegira No. In our area we made sure that we delivered the garbage into the KCCA skips.

[Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi. @BalaamBarugahar]

My visionary chairman General@mkainerugaba the visionary one . Launched general cleanliness a few years ago now it’s a government policy. God bless him.