Entebbe — The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, chaired a high-level meeting of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Joint Staff Committee at the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe on Wednesday.
The monthly session brought together senior commanders, including the Deputy CDF, service chiefs, division commanders, and chiefs of staff from the various arms of the UPDF. The agenda focused on Uganda’s domestic security, regional operations, and the force’s preparedness ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Officials said the commanders reviewed the country’s internal security situation and Uganda’s international deployments in the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and South Sudan.
Uganda maintains thousands of troops in regional peacekeeping missions under the African Union and bilateral arrangements, with a particularly strong presence in eastern Congo and Somalia.
The UPDF leadership also discussed operational readiness for the elections, emphasizing a peaceful and secure environment as political campaigns gather pace.
The military has historically worked alongside the Uganda Police Force during elections, though its involvement has often drawn criticism from opposition groups.
The discussions came amid ongoing insurgent activity by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in eastern Congo, where Ugandan troops have conducted joint operations with the Congolese army since 2021.
Uganda also continues its role under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and contributes to peace efforts in South Sudan.
At home, the UPDF has recently stepped up counterterrorism measures following sporadic bomb attacks linked to Islamic State-affiliated groups operating inside Uganda.
Since assuming office as CDF in March 2024, Muhoozi has pledged to modernize the UPDF, improve its operational readiness, and strengthen Uganda’s role in regional peace and security.
The UPDF reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stability within Uganda, supporting regional peace efforts, and ensuring a secure environment ahead of the 2026 general elections.
