MINISTRY OF DEFENSE AND VETERANS AFFAIRS was recognized by Public Opinions with the 2022 Uganda Responsible Investment Mark of Excellence Award in appreciation of its contribution towards attainment of Uganda Vision 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through ensuring Peace and stability in all parts of Uganda. Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs recognised by Public Opinions as the Best Government Ministry
- Minister: Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja
- Minister of State for Defense: Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth
- Minister of State for Veterans Affairs: Hon. Huda Abason Oleru
- Permanent Secretary: Mrs. Rosettie Byengoma
Mrs. Rosettie Byengoma the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs explain that the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs is a Government Ministry responsible for the National Defence and Security of the country.
The Constitution of Uganda Article 209 establishes the roles and responsibilities of this Ministry. The ministry oversees the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF). This ensures that the UPDF is ultimately answerable to the people of Uganda, while it remains professional, with focus on protecting its citizens, defending national sovereignty and contributing to regional stability. Ministry of Defense has both the Army and Civilian Arms to carry out its mandate. The civilian arm ‘supports and facilitates the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and comprises while the Armed forces are responsible for the National defence and Security.
Mrs. Rosettie Byengoma is ranked on the list of the Uganda BEST 18 Permanent Secretaries in Uganada.
The mandate of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran affairs is derived from the Constitution of 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: 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, Cooperate with civilian authorities in emergency situations and in cases of natural disasters, Foster harmony and understanding between Defence forces and civilians, Engage in productive activities for National development,etc.
VISION: Transform the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) into a modern, professional, efficient and accountable Force anchored on a strong civil – military partnership.
MISSION: To defend and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda, and the Constitution that encapsulates people’s sovereignty through popular will.
The Ministry continued to cooperate with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on matters of national security, sustainable development and disaster response and management. The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) continued to support the Uganda Police Force (UPF) to ensure internal security and tranquility. The Ministry continued to support Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education and Sports to enhance the services they provide to Ugandans. School going children freely accessed primary and secondary education from UPDF schools across the country and patients continued to seek health services from UPDF hospitals. More specifically, UPDF provided emergency health care services during the Country – wide medical workers’ industrial action, UPDF Health workers were deployed to Government hospitals and Health Units such as Mulago, Kawempe and Kiruddu to provide specialized Health services.
The Ministry through UPDF, continued to contribute to regional stability by enhancing cooperation and collaboration with Defence Forces in the region. Consequently, the Eastern Africa and the Great Lakes region are relatively peaceful save for hot spots in Eastern DR Congo, South Sudan and Somalia that have had spill – over effects to Uganda.
Core Aims and Objectives of the Ministry
- Defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda.
- 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 force 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.
- Formulation of the Defence policy arising out of H.E the President’s declaration in his 2001 election manifesto to professionalize the UPDF.
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE & VETERANS AFFAIRS-MODVA
MBUYA HILL, KAMPALA – UGANDA Mbuya
P.O. BOX 3798 Kampala
Tel: +256 414 565346 / 7 OR +256 393 261 392
Recognised by:
Public Opinions
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Call/Whatsapp: +256701992426(Uganda)