Building on Strength: Inside Museveni’s Defense & Security Blueprint for 2026–2031

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged his government’s commitment to consolidating Uganda’s defence and security capabilities under the 2026–2031 NRM Manifesto, promising continued modernization of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and greater regional cooperation to safeguard peace and stability.

In the manifesto, themed “Protecting the Gains,” highlights the strides made by the NRM government in building a professional, well-equipped, and responsive army capable of addressing both traditional and emerging security challenges.

Continuing to professionalize and modernize the UPDF through advanced training and acquisition of modern equipment and technology, is listed among the goals

According to President Museveni, the government’s unwavering investment in the UPDF has ensured that Uganda’s borders remain secure and the country retains a proactive posture against internal and external threats.

Securing the Homeland

Over the last five years, Uganda’s security forces have intensified counter-terrorism operations, neutralizing threats from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and dismantling criminal gangs such as Kifeesi, B-10, and the Bukolwa crew in Kampala and its surrounding areas.

The government’s focus on strengthening counter-terrorism capabilities has yielded positive results, with the UPDF now possessing enhanced personnel and modern equipment to respond swiftly to security emergencies.

In Karamoja and neighbouring regions, the UPDF launched Operation “Usalama Kwa Wote” in July 2021 and later Operation “Dhumisha Amani” in April 2023 to address rampant cattle rustling and cross-border incursions. These operations recovered over 49,000 stolen animals and drastically reduced insecurity in the Acholi, Teso, and Lango sub-regions.

Building Modern Capacity

Recognizing the evolving nature of warfare, the NRM government has prioritized cyber defence as a new frontier of national security. The establishment of a cyber-security unit within the UPDF has enabled the detection and prevention of cyber threats targeting national systems.

To complement this effort, the government founded the National Forensic Science University in Jinja in April 2023 to offer specialized courses in cyber security, forensic investigations, and information science—ushering in a new era of digital defence capability.

The UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit has also made significant contributions to economic security, impounding over 90,900 tons of immature fish and destroying illegal fishing gear worth billions. The success of these operations helped revive Uganda’s fish export industry and preserve the country’s aquatic resources.

Regional and Pan-African Role

Under the Pan-African spirit, Uganda has continued to play a leading role in promoting peace and stability across Africa. The UPDF remains actively engaged in Operation Shujaa, a joint Uganda-DRC offensive against ADF rebels in eastern Congo, as well as deployments under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), now African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which have contributed to stabilizing Somalia and curbing piracy along the Indian Ocean coast.

Furthermore, Uganda continues to provide military training and advisory support to countries such as Equatorial Guinea, Mali, and Guinea-Bissau, reinforcing its status as a reliable regional security partner.

Professionalization and Welfare

To sustain the momentum, the government has invested heavily in training, recruitment, and welfare of the armed forces. The establishment of the National Defence College–Uganda (NDC-U) in 2022 has become a cornerstone of strategic military education, grooming senior officers and policymakers in national and regional security affairs.

In addition, the NRM government has implemented phased salary enhancements for personnel in the UPDF, Uganda Police Force, and Uganda Prisons Service, a move aimed at boosting morale and professionalism within the ranks.

The Next Chapter: 2026–2031 Commitments

Looking ahead, the NRM’s defence agenda emphasizes the following priorities:

• Continuing to professionalize and modernize the UPDF through advanced training and acquisition of modern equipment and technology.

• Enhancing protection of vital national assets and infrastructure crucial to economic growth.

• Safeguarding Uganda’s digital sovereignty in an era of increasing cyber threats.

• Countering radicalization and violent extremism to preserve national cohesion.

• Strengthening UPDF’s role in production and value addition to boost self-reliance.

• Establishing a National Service Program to nurture patriotism among young Ugandans.

• Improving coordination within the national security and intelligence architecture for timely response to threats.

A Secure Future for a Prosperous Nation

President Museveni’s renewed pledge reflects the NRM government’s determination to maintain Uganda’s hard-won peace, sustain economic transformation, and strengthen regional stability.

By modernizing its defence posture both at home and abroad, Uganda is not only safeguarding its sovereignty but also reinforcing its strategic role as a pillar of peace in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa regions.

As the 2026 elections draw closer, the message from the NRM is clear — a secure Uganda is the foundation upon which national prosperity and Pan-African unity will continue to thrive.