UPDF’s UGX138.4 Billion Election Budget Sparks Parliamentary Scrutiny

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have requested UGX138.4 billion to support security operations during the 2026 general elections, a move that has sparked concern among Members of Parliament (MPs). Some lawmakers, including Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju, have raised questions about why the Army is involved in election security, a role that traditionally falls under the Uganda Police Force.

During a parliamentary sitting on January 23, 2025, involving the Budget Committee and the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee, Ssemujju voiced concerns over potential duplication of duties. “The Army is seeking UGX138 billion for election security, while Police is asking for over UGX300 billion for the same purpose. Elections are a matter of law and order, which falls under the Police. Does the Army’s involvement suggest that the Police can no longer handle internal security?” he asked.

He also questioned whether the substantial financial request implied that the upcoming elections were being treated as a military operation.

In response, Linos Ngopek, Vice Chairperson of the Defence Committee and MP for Kibanda North, justified the budget, explaining that different security agencies work together to ensure peaceful elections. “It is common practice for the Police to seek support from sister security agencies during elections. The Defence Ministry’s request ensures that the Army is ready to assist if needed,” Ngopek stated.

Rosette Byengoma, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, also defended the allocation, saying it would be used for protecting MPs and ensuring smooth operations during the election period. “This budget is critical for securing the 2026 elections, especially in terms of logistics and operational support during campaigns and other electoral activities,” she said.

Lawmakers also raised concerns about recent tweets by Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in which he made disparaging remarks about MPs and issued provocative statements about neighboring countries. Ssemujju pressed the Defence Committee leadership to clarify their position on the matter.

“Shouldn’t you be worried that our defence sector is being turned into a joke? Today, he insults Ethiopia, tomorrow Kenya, then the DRC, and now he’s attacking MPs. Does this not indicate a leadership problem in the sector you are supposed to oversee?” Ssemujju asked.

Ngopek dismissed the concerns, saying the Defence Ministry had assured them that Muhoozi’s Twitter account had been hacked. “The Ministry of Defence confirms that Uganda’s security remains intact and that the sector is operating efficiently. We do not rely on social media for official updates; we follow proper communication channels,” he added.

The discussion has intensified the debate on the role of the military in elections and the overall management of Uganda’s security sector. With the 2026 elections approaching, Parliament is expected to maintain close oversight of budget allocations and security measures to ensure compliance with the law.