Shadow Minister for Defence Derrick Nyeko has unveiled plans to amend the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act, 2005 prioritizing the vetting of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Deputy CDF by Parliament.
The proposal part of the 2025/26 Alternative Ministerial Policy Statement for the Defence Sector seeks to ensure that the competence and integrity of Uganda’s top military chiefs are scrutinized before they assume office.
Nyeko argues that this amendment is long overdue as similar scrutiny is applied to the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Prisons.
Nyeko’s push for transparency is rooted in the belief that no public office should be above independent scrutiny.
“The Chief of Defence Forces & the Deputy are not vetted by any organ to ensure proficiency, competence and integrity of the person appointed to serve in thot position. No wonder the discipline of the UPDF continues to be questioned”.
“Having anyone who is not vetted by an independent body to ascertain their competence, integrity and proficiency to act in that position is contrary to the spirit of Constitutional provision of checks and balances. In The next FY, we shall amend the UPDF Act, 2005 to provide for Parliamentary approval of nominees for positions of CDF and Deputy CDF,” Nyeko said.
According to him, the current structure allows unchecked power in military leadership which could compromise the integrity of Uganda’s security forces.
The Opposition’s proposal is not just about procedure, it taps into larger concerns about governance, accountability and the separation of powers.
With Uganda’s history of militarized politics, opposition of the current system argue that vetting by Parliament would introduce much needed checks and balances.
However, some government officials maintain that military appointments are best left to the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief.
As the 2025/26 financial year approaches, the proposal has already begun stirring political debate. If passed, the amendment would mark a historic shift in how Uganda handles military appointments potentially setting a precedent for other security sectors.
It remains to be seen whether the government will embrace this push for transparency or resist it in the name of executive privilege.
Nyeko’s move reflects a broader call for accountability in Uganda’s security apparatus, a call that resonates with many Ugandans eager for reforms in how power is exercised at the highest levels.
