New Defence Leadership Takes Charge As Honourables Kiryowa, Oleru And Akifeza Assume Office.
The newly appointed Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, together with the newly appointed State Ministers, Hon. Dr. Huda Abason Oleru and Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano officially assumed office following a handover ceremony held at the Joint Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Headquarters in Mbuya.
The ceremony witnessed the Speaker of Parliament and outgoing Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, formally hand over office to Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka. Hon. Dr. Huda Abason Oleru assumed office as Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veterans), while Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano as Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence).
In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Oboth assured the incoming Minister that he was joining a dedicated institution committed to service.
“This is the only ministry or government institution where everyone works. It has dedicated personnel who are always ready to serve,” he said.
Rt. Hon. Oboth described his tenure as Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs as both a privilege and a profound duty.
He commended the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rosettie Byengoma, and the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for their hard work and commitment to ensuring the smooth functioning of the ministry.
The outgoing Minister praised Gen Kainerugaba’s stewardship, especially the infrastructural developments at the ministry headquarters, including perimeter wall fencing and the construction of new buildings.
Rt. Hon. Oboth expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to advance the ministry’s agenda.
“I am very confident that under your stewardship, the ministry will build upon the achievements made and continue advancing Uganda’s defence and veteran affairs agenda,” he said.
On his part, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for entrusting him with the responsibility and paid tribute to his predecessors for their service.
The former Attorney General emphasised the importance of balancing legality and strength in national defence.
“A nation’s defence must be lawful, and a lawful defence must be strong,” said Hon. Kiryowa.
Hon. Kiryowa observed that contemporary security threats have evolved beyond traditional border concerns to include terrorism, cyberattacks, and climate-related security challenges.
He pledged to ensure that all ministry activities, procurement processes, and policies adhere to the law. He also committed to improving the welfare of veterans, promising to address delays in the payment of benefits and entitlements.
The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veterans), Hon. Dr. Huda Abason Oleru, thanked the President and the UPDF leadership for once again entrusting her with the responsibility.
“My priority will be to strengthen programmes that improve access to pensions, healthcare, livelihood support, and other services that promote dignity and the well-being of those who served our nation,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence), Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, pledged to work tirelessly to uphold and build upon the legacy of her predecessor, the late Hon. Sarah Mateke.
“I am happy to be joining at a time when we are embracing the spirit of ‘Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo.’ I believe in hard work and results. With the committed forces surrounding us, the sky will be the limit for Uganda,” she said.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rosettie Byengoma, described Rt. Hon. Oboth as a hardworking, approachable, and dedicated leader who led with humility, openness, and genuine concern throughout his tenure.
She said that he fostered teamwork, maintained an open-door policy, and consistently supported colleagues in delivering the ministry’s mandate.
“His remarkable sense of humour brought people together, eased tensions during demanding moments, and contributed to a positive and productive working environment,” she said.
Mrs. Byengoma thanked the outgoing minister for his dedicated service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the ministry.
“Under his leadership, the ministry achieved several notable milestones, and we have no doubt that he will continue to excel in his new appointment,” she added.
She congratulated the incoming ministers and assured them of the ministry’s full support, cooperation, and commitment as they undertake their new responsibilities in service to the nation.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, congratulated the newly appointed ministers and welcomed them to what he described as a unique institutional family.
“We go by God’s choice, especially on matters concerning our well-being. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a time for everything,” he said.
Lt. Gen. Okiding also commended Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka for his previous collaboration with the UPDF during his tenure as Attorney General and pledged the force’s continued support.
“Your role is to provide leadership and direction, and we shall do the work,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by under secretaries, UPDF leadership, Generals and Senior officers, Commissioners, and other ministry officials.
