By Mulengera Reporters
After repeated denials and blame-shifting, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has finally issued an apology for the brutality inflicted on civilians during the recently concluded Kawempe North by-election. The army stated that the individuals responsible have been arrested and are under investigation.
The apology was delivered by Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Samuel Okiding, while appearing before Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee on March 27, 2025. He described the incidents as “operational mistakes” caused by individuals who failed to control their emotions when provoked.
“Allow me to officially apologize to this Committee. We are very sorry; we saw what happened. It was purely operational mistakes, and that is not our doctrine. However, out of 1,000 personnel, some may fail to control their emotions when provoked, leading to overreactions. While provocation occurred, it did not justify the level of force used. We saw it, we took action, and people were arrested. A committee was constituted to investigate, and as we speak, the culprits are in jail. Investigations are ongoing, and they will be punished—there will be no escape or shortcuts,” Okiding stated.
The apology followed concerns raised by Lwemiyaga County MP, Theodore Ssekikubo, who questioned whether the army had been infiltrated by rogue elements. He referenced President Museveni’s remarks denying that he had instructed the military to use force against civilians in Kawempe.
“We saw security forces, in uniform, brutalizing journalists and civilians. The Commander-in-Chief has denied issuing any orders for such actions. So, we must ask—are there rogue elements within the UPDF under your command?” Ssekikubo asked.
Muhoozi Too Busy for Parliament?
During the session, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Oboth, defended the absence of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba from committee meetings, attributing it to his increasing popularity.
“This Committee, like many Ugandans, greatly admires the CDF. His overwhelming support keeps him busy both within Uganda and internationally. This admiration must be managed well. Deputy CDF, ensure that the CDF finds time to engage with this Committee,” Oboth said.
Inside UPDF’s UGX 314 Billion Operations Budget
During the scrutiny of the Ministerial Policy Statement, Parliament examined UPDF’s request for an additional UGX 364.6 billion to support various operations, including securing the 2026 general elections, deployments in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and operations in Karamoja. However, only UGX 50 billion has been allocated, leaving a funding shortfall of UGX 314.6 billion.
Edith Buturo, Under Secretary for Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, detailed the budget deficits:
- Operation Shujaa (DRC) requires UGX 140.3 billion, but only UGX 26.3 billion has been allocated, leaving a shortfall of UGX 114 billion.
- Usalama Kwa Wote (Karamoja) requires UGX 46.8 billion, but only UGX 23.7 billion has been allocated, creating a deficit of UGX 23.1 billion.
- South Sudan Deployment requires UGX 39.1 billion, but no funds have been allocated.
- Election Security for the 2026 General Elections requires UGX 138.4 billion, but no allocation has been made.
“The UPDF continues to conduct operations in the DRC against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Additional funding is required for feeding, medical expenses, administration, fuel, and equipment maintenance. In Karamoja, operations require top-up funds for feeding, fuel, and operational logistics,” Buturo explained.
On the same day UPDF sought funding for its South Sudan deployment, Kira Municipality MP, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, pressed Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to facilitate a government briefing on Uganda’s military engagements in DRC and South Sudan. He criticized the lack of official communication, leaving MPs to rely on media reports for updates.
“Our army is engaged in two wars—in DRC and South Sudan—yet Parliament is left to depend on media reports. The most recent reports claim Uganda lost a Colonel in DRC and allege that UPDF is using chemical weapons in South Sudan, accusations the army has since denied. When will Parliament receive an official briefing on these operations?” Ssemujju demanded.
In response, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa assured MPs that Parliament’s recess would be brief and that the issue would be addressed when sittings resume-Parliament watch. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
