Gen Muhoozi: Why I Didn’t Become an MP Representing UPDF

Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba was widely expected to join the 12th Parliament as a UPDF MP, representing the army in the legislative body.

As the current Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), speculation on Muhoozi’s entry into Parliament had sparked discussions across political and military circles, given his dual role as the country’s top military officer and a potential legislator.

A son of President Yoweri Museveni, Muhoozi has had a rapid rise through the ranks of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), joining in 1999 and becoming CDF in March 2024. His appointment has been marked by efforts to combat corruption and improve soldier welfare.

As a potential UPDF MP, Muhoozi was  expected to strengthen the military’s influence in legislative affairs, particularly on matters of national security, defence policy, and regional stability. His experience and national presence was said to be key for shaping Uganda’s legislative and security landscape in the coming years.

The army council, which includes members of the High Command of the UPDF and senior UPDF officers, convened at the Land Forces headquarters in Bombo town to elect army MPs in parliament.

Commander in chief (CiC) of armed forces and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (Muhoozi’s father), attended.

In the current parliament, UPDF has 10 MPs: seven males and three females. In Uganda’s 11th Parliament which has 556 MPs, there are women MPs, 10 UPDF MPs, 5 youth MPs, 5 MPs for PWDs, five MPs for workers and five MPs for older persons.

The current UPDF MPs are former CDFs David Muhoozi, Gen Katumba Wamala, and Lt Gen Wilson Mbadhi, Lt Gen James Mugira, Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, Lt Gen. Sam Kavuma, Brig Charity Bainababo, Col Dr Victoria Nekesa and Lt Col Dr Jennifer Alanyo.

You can see the names of UPDF MPs elected for the 12th Parliament as well as winners and losers in municipality and city division mayor elections Here and There.

Gen Muhoozi has since explained why he did not become a UPDF MP.

“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,” Muhoozi wrote.

Some of the current MPs will not return to parliament. These include former deputy CDF Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, who retired from the army and is now enjoying a huge retirement package, after a war of words with Gen Muhoozi. (See Details Here, There and Over There).