Uganda remains one of the few countries globally to reserve parliamentary seats for military representatives. The system was introduced in 1995 to integrate military perspectives into governance. The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) holds 10 seats in the 556-member legislature, in a move aimed at ensuring that security expertise informs national policy-making.
The practice stems from Uganda’s political history, particularly the military-led rise to power in 1986 under President Yoweri Museveni. The military’s presence in parliament was seen as a way to align the armed forces with civilian rule while maintaining national stability.
Deputy Linos Ngompek, deputy chair of the defence and home affairs committee, argues that the arrangement helps military leaders understand political dynamics and contribute to security decisions. “The UPDF’s presence in parliament ensures that the military is aware of national policies and can make informed decisions based on the country’s political landscape,” he explained.
While military participation in civilian governance is rare in Africa, Uganda’s system differs from countries such as Ethiopia and Somalia, where military influence is more informal. Other nations such as Sudan, Mali and Burkina Faso have seen direct military rule, while the Egyptian military holds political power without representation in parliament.
Despite some debate over whether military MPs should wear uniforms in parliament, the system remains widely accepted in the Ugandan legislature. While supporters argue that it helps maintain political stability, critics question the long-term effects of military involvement in civilian decision-making.