UPDF is a nonpartisan force, national in character, patriotic, professional, disciplined, productive and subordinate to the civilian authority as established under the constitution.
The UPDF’s interest is to protect Uganda and Africa at large. Providing a safe and secure environment in which all Ugandan citizens can live and prosper.
Functions
- To preserve and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda.
- To co-operate with civilian authority in emergency situations and in cases of
natural disasters. - To foster harmony and understanding between the defence forces and
civilians. - To engage in productive activities for the development of Uganda.
Mission
To defend and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda, and the Constitution that encapsulates people’s sovereignty through popular will.
Vision
Transform the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) into a modern, professional, efficient and accountable Force anchored on a strong civil-military partnership.
Objectives
- Defend and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda, ensuring non-violability of peoples and individual rights, the rule of law and good governance.
- Build adequate and credible defence capacity to address external threats and in the medium-term assist in maintaining internal security.
- Create a productive and self-sustaining force.
- Ensure adherence to and furtherance of international obligations.
- Ensure continuation and strengthening of the Defence forces that has respect for Human Rights.
- Create military alliances to enhance regional security and stability.
- Maintain national cohesion.
- Promote co-operation with the East African countries, which share common political, economic, social and cultural values, and interests.
- Support regional and continental integration through the East African Community and African Union
History of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF)
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) was officially named in the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. Before this, at independence, the colonial army known as the King’s African Rifles (KAR) was renamed Uganda Rifles (UR) and later the Uganda Army (UA). The primary role of the KAR had been to suppress any opposition to British rule, and when the army transitioned after independence, it retained much of the same structure and purpose, only with new names.
In the early years, Uganda’s military was characterized by repression and division, largely because officers like Idi Amin, who rose through the ranks of the KAR by demonstrating brutality against the MAU MAU freedom fighters, continued their reign of terror. For the first two decades after independence, Uganda struggled with national unity and cohesion, as the military remained anti-people and heavily manipulated. It was against this backdrop that, in 1972, a young Ugandan named Yoweri Museveni launched the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA), a movement dedicated to liberating Uganda from dictatorship.
In March 1979, several forces opposing Idi Amin, including FRONASA, came together to form the Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF), with its military wing, the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA). Other groups such as Kikosi Maalum, led by Milton Obote, and smaller factions like Save Uganda Movement and Uganda Freedom Union, also joined the UNLF. Together with the Tanzanian People’s Defence Forces, these groups played a pivotal role in overthrowing Idi Amin’s regime in April 1979, ending one of Uganda’s darkest chapters.
After Amin’s fall, the UNLF ruled Uganda until the disputed national elections in December 1980, in which Milton Obote was declared the winner amid widespread claims of election rigging. This led Yoweri Museveni to launch a final liberation struggle under the National Resistance Movement (NRM), with its military wing, the National Resistance Army (NRA). On February 6, 1981, Museveni’s forces began a protracted guerilla war with just 27 fighters, determined to challenge the fraudulent regime.
The NRA’s guerilla warfare persisted for five years, during which time it remained at the forefront of efforts to end Uganda’s dictatorships. In 1986, the NRA achieved a landmark victory, defeating the fascist forces that had long oppressed the country. This victory restored the dignity of the Ugandan people and the state, marking the end of an era of tyranny.
Following this victory, the NRM, under President Yoweri Museveni, set about creating a new constitution. In 1995, with the promulgation of this constitution, the NRA was officially renamed the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The UPDF is a nonpartisan, professional, and disciplined force, committed to national unity and loyal to civilian authority as outlined in the constitution.
Core UPDF Missions
The core missions for Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces as outlined in the Uganda Defence Policy, 2003 are;
- Ensuring the defence of the Country and the Constitution of Uganda that encapsulates the peoples’ sovereignty through popular will. The UPDF will defend Uganda against all aggressions and will ensure that Constitutional order and rule of Law is maintained.
- Assisting with Peacetime Security. Support to Uganda Police Force and other security actors against all manifolds of insecurity including civil unrest, internal insurgency and terrorism.
- Contributing to Regional Stability. Outside Uganda, the greatest risks to our national economic and political interests lie in potential instability in the Eastern and Horn of Africa as well as the Great Lakes regions. UPDF will continue to collaborate with other regional forces to maintain regional stability and avoid spill-over to Uganda.
- Provision of Support to the Civil Authorities. The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, as a nationally organized force, is often best placed to provide support to the civil community at times of civil emergency.
- Conducting Defence Diplomacy. The growth of further ties within the region, principally with members of the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union (AU) is encouraged as a means of promoting broader understanding between the Defence Forces. Although it is envisaged that with time there will be a higher degree of military integration, joint military exercises, joint training and exchange of military observers.
- Support to International Obligation. The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces must be prepared to deploy in support of international peace operations in furtherance of the wider foreign policy and national interests.
UPDF Leadership
H.E GEN YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI: PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF (CIC) OF THE UPDF
GEN MUHOOZI KAINERUGABA: CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCES (CDF)
LT GEN SAMUEL OKIDING: DEPUTY CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCES AND INSPECTOR OF DEFENCE FORCES (DCDF/IG)
LT GEN KAYANJA MUHANGA: COMMANDER LAND FORCE (CLF)
LT GEN CHARLES OKIDI: COMMANDER AIR FORCE (CAF)
LT GEN CHARLES OTEMA: GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING RESERVE FORCE (GOC – RF)
MAJ GEN DAVID MUGISHA: COMMANDER SPECIAL FORCE COMMAND (COMD SFC)
MAJ GEN JACK AGONZA BAKASUMBA: CHIEF JOINT STAFF (CJS)
RESPONSIBILITIES
PROTECT UGANDA
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) prioritize the protection of the nation and its territories. The highly trained soldiers of the UPDF are ready to deploy anytime, anywhere, to meet various challenges, including supporting police and security agencies or providing specialized capabilities like bomb disposal and intelligence. The UPDF serves Uganda and Africa, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The UPDF prides itself on a history of success in combat, driven by the courage and commitment of its soldiers. Notable operations include deployments in Somalia, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic.
In addition to warfare, UPDF soldiers respond to natural disasters, such as landslides, and train partner forces both at home and abroad. The UPDF is the people’s army—vigilant, prepared, and dedicated to defending Uganda and its citizens.
PREVENT CONFLICT
The UPDF remains actively engaged across Africa, working to shape security and prevent future conflicts. By training and assisting partner nations such as Somalia and South Sudan, the UPDF helps address the root causes of instability and conflict.
DEAL WITH DISASTER
At home or abroad, the UPDF is always prepared to assist in emergencies. Whether responding to landslides in Uganda or providing humanitarian aid during crises like the Ebola outbreak, the UPDF is ready to meet every challenge.
FIGHT UGANDA’S ENEMIES
While the UPDF serves various roles, its primary mission is to defend Uganda. The UPDF is fully committed to fighting the nation’s enemies with absolute dedication whenever required.
UPDF Mandate
The UPDF protects Uganda’s interests at home and abroad, providing a safe and secure environment in which all Ugandan citizens can live and prosper.
The mandate of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs is derived from the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 (as amended). In accordance with Articles 208 and 209, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) is established and mandated to carry out the following functions:
- To preserve and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda.
- To cooperate with the civilian authority in emergency situations and in cases of natural disasters.
- To foster harmony and understanding between the defence forces and civilians.
- To engage in productive activities for the development of Uganda.
UPDF Services
The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) is composed of four key branches: the Land Force, Air Force, Special Force Command, and Reserve Force. Our mission is to safeguard the sovereignty of Uganda and contribute to the broader security of Africa. We strive to create a safe and secure environment where Ugandan citizens can live and thrive.
Land Force
The Land Force is responsible for defending Uganda’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on land. It is well-equipped to deter any potential threats that may arise from across national borders. Given the length and at times, the insecurity of these borders, it is crucial that forces are strategically deployed with speed and intelligence to detect, contain, and neutralize threats effectively.
The Land Force is comprised of several specialized units, including:
- Marine Brigade
- Artillery Brigade
- Infantry Brigade
- Armoured Brigade
Air Force
The Uganda People’s Defence Force Air Force (UPDF-AF) is a statutory body established under the Defence Forces Act of 2005, Section 3, Subsection 2(b). The Air Force plays a pivotal role in supporting Uganda’s comprehensive defense policy, particularly in analyzing threats given Uganda’s landlocked position. Any threat to countries along Uganda’s essential supply routes is considered a direct threat to Uganda’s security, shaping the Air Force’s strategic posture.
The Air Force’s swift and efficient role in evacuating casualties and assisting civil authorities in search and rescue operations demonstrates its crucial contribution to national security.
Mission:
To defend Uganda’s airspace, provide aerial support to the Land Force, and engage in non-combat operations.
Vision:
To maintain Uganda’s strategic defense capabilities by deterring potential threats and securing victory in times of conflict.
Core Tasks:
- Defending Uganda’s airspace.
- Providing air support to land operations.
- Destroying strategic enemy positions.
- Offering VIP transport.
- Conducting peace support missions and disaster relief efforts.
- Fulfilling duties under Article 208 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
Special Force Command (SFC)
The Special Force Command (SFC) is a highly specialized unit within the UPDF, designed to carry out complex missions at short notice. It is capable of executing operations critical to both national security and UPDF objectives.
Mission:
“To develop and operate a powerful and versatile special operations force tailored to Uganda’s unique defense needs and responsive to the nation’s requirements.”
Reserve Force
Uganda maintains a robust reserve capability, ensuring that the Defence Forces can be reinforced or reconstituted when necessary. This reserve strength spans all UPDF branches, ensuring readiness to respond to any emerging threats.
Training Schools
Military Training Institutions in Uganda
Uganda’s military boasts several renowned training institutions dedicated to equipping officers and soldiers with the skills necessary to succeed in both national defense and peacekeeping roles. These institutions provide training in leadership, technology, military tactics, and strategic studies, enabling Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) personnel to meet the challenges of a modern military environment.
Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC)
The Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC) is Uganda’s premier military training institution, offering operational-level training for mid-ranking officers in the UPDF. This training is designed to impart essential skills in military science and Peace Support Operations; while also developing the officers’ analytical abilities to ensure they remain effective in a contemporary military landscape.
Mission
SCSC’s mission is to develop professional skills, leadership, and analytical abilities among selected officers, enabling them to handle higher responsibilities in both command and staff roles.
Uganda Military Engineering College (UMEC)
UMEC was commissioned by Commander-in-Chief Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on January 29, 2009, at Magamaga, Mayuge District. In October 2010, it relocated to the Lugazi cantonment, which it shares with the UPDF Engineers Brigade and other training institutions. UMEC’s core objective is to build engineering and scientific capabilities within the UPDF, supporting both military operations and national development.
Mission
To provide scientific and technological knowledge and skills for national security, stability, and development.
Oliva Reginald Tambo Leadership School, Kaweweta
The Oliva Reginald Tambo Leadership School focuses on developing leadership skills among military and civil personnel, preparing them to manage human, material, and financial resources in a globalized environment. This institution has historical significance, having trained liberation forces like the National Resistance Army (NRA) and African National Congress (ANC) combatants, contributing to the liberation efforts across Africa.
The school’s programs primarily serve personnel from the UPDF, Uganda Police, and Uganda Prisons Services. Course durations range from 4 to 6 months, depending on the specific leadership category being trained. The school falls under the Joint Service Political Commissariat Department of the UPDF.