UPDF High Command and Defence Council Convene to Review National and Regional Security

Entebbe, Uganda – May 8, 2025 – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) High Command convened on Wednesday at State House Entebbe, followed by a Defence Council meeting on Thursday, to assess the current security landscape within Uganda and the broader region.

President Yoweri Museveni, who chaired both high-level meetings, emphasized the critical role of maintaining internal peace while advancing Uganda’s commitment to peacebuilding efforts across Africa. The deliberations reviewed the country’s overall security situation and the UPDF’s continued missions in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Somalia, and South Sudan.

In his address, President Museveni urged the UPDF to remain steadfast in defending Uganda’s democratic space. He warned against the rising trend of political intimidation and harassment targeting individuals with dissenting political views, stressing that the army must ensure such threats are curbed to preserve democratic freedoms.

“Uganda’s stability cannot be separated from regional peace,” the President stated. “We must continue playing our part in ensuring security throughout the region because this is how we achieve strategic security for our continent.”

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) reiterated the UPDF’s commitment to protecting Ugandans and their property, underscoring the force’s capacity to guarantee long-term security as a foundation for sustainable economic development.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in his remarks, highlighted the UPDF’s ongoing efforts to enhance military cooperation with partner nations. He noted that joint training programs and knowledge exchanges are contributing to regional security and prosperity.

Top UPDF commanders attended the meetings, including Deputy CDF Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, Commander Land Forces Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Reserve Force Commander Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany, Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi, and Special Forces Commander Maj. Gen. David Mugisha.

Officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs were also present, led by Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth, State Minister Huda Oleru, and Permanent Secretary Rosette Byengoma.

The meetings underscored Uganda’s unwavering stance on internal security, democracy protection, and regional cooperation in pursuit of peace and stability across Africa.