Government plans to spend more than UGX 27.7 trillion on the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) between 2025 and 2030, driven by the need to acquire modern military equipment, improve staff welfare, and respond to an evolving security environment.
The disclosure was made by Rosette Byengoma, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, while appearing before Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee on January 28, 2026, to present the UPDF’s 2026/27 National Budget Framework Paper.
Byengoma said the projected growth in defence spending reflects rising operational demands and structural cost pressures.
“The medium-term projections show a growth trajectory driven by the anticipated security environment, acquisition of modern equipment in line with evolving technology and threat levels, enhancement of staff welfare, including salaries, pensions, gratuity and healthcare, increased personnel strength, expanded training, and macroeconomic factors such as inflation and exchange rates,” Byengoma explained.
Her remarks followed concerns raised by MPs over the credibility and sustainability of the projected expenditure increases.
According to documents submitted to the committee, government set the 2025/26 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the Ministry of Defence at UGX 4.093 trillion, below the UGX 4.396 trillion proposed in the ministry’s strategic plan.
For 2026/27, the Defence MTEF ceiling has been set at UGX 4.6 trillion, representing a 14.16 per cent increase from the previous year, although the ministry’s desired budget stands at UGX 4.8 trillion.
In 2027/28, government projections put the Defence budget at UGX 5.2 trillion, a 13.26 per cent increase, compared to the ministry’s preferred allocation of UGX 5.4 trillion. For 2028/29, the MTEF ceiling is UGX 6.4 trillion, against a strategic projection of UGX 6.7 trillion.
By 2029/30, government plans to allocate UGX 7.5 trillion to Defence, while the ministry’s strategic plan places the required funding at UGX 7.8 trillion.
During the committee interface, MPs raised concerns about disruptions affecting the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), which operates from Kololo Independence Grounds, premises owned by the UPDF and frequently used for national functions.
Wilson Kajwengye (Nyabushozi County) urged government to consider relocating NIRA to independent premises, arguing that its constitutional mandate is routinely disrupted by national events.
“Our concern is that NIRA’s mandate is hindered by numerous national functions. They need a home where they can operate smoothly,” Kajwengye said.
However, Defence Minister Markson Oboth cautioned MPs to consider the high costs NIRA would incur if it relocated from Kololo.
The Minister of Defence Jacob Oboth-Oboth
“I think the Ministry of Defence has been a very understated, committed and affordable landlord,” Oboth said. “The inconveniences are part of the arrangement. This committee oversees both Defence and NIRA, so we ask you to balance effectiveness with efficiency and affordability.”
Reuben Arinaitwe (Isingiro West) countered that the disruptions had worsened following NIRA’s expanded mandate, which now includes marriage registration after the rationalisation of government agencies, a function previously handled by URSB.
“Imagine you have prepared for a wedding, invited guests, and suddenly there is a national function at Kololo,” Arinaitwe said. “What happens to the bride and groom? With these added responsibilities, NIRA needs its own home so citizens are not inconvenienced.”
Peter Okeyoh (Bukooli Island) questioned the transparency of the criteria used to approve users of Kololo Independence Grounds, noting past complaints by opposition political parties that their applications had been rejected.
“We want to know the charges, the criteria, and whether political parties are treated equally,” Okeyoh said. “If a party like my Alliance for National Transformations (ANT) applies, what happens?”
Minister Oboth defended the hiring process, saying the upgraded facility has attracted high demand.
“There is only one Kololo in Kampala and in Uganda,” Oboth said. “With the beautification, fencing, and improved utilities, competition is high.”
Byengoma explained that bookings are handled through a dedicated desk and processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
“If you apply first, you are served first,” she said.
When Kajwengye asked whether this would apply equally to rival political parties such as NUP and NRM, Byengoma declined to comment, describing it as a “political question.”
Minister Oboth clarified that organisers’ capacity to manage crowds and protect the facility is also considered.
“We reserve the right to decline if there is a risk of vandalism,” Oboth said. “But we have never denied a political party simply because of who they are. Kololo is an open space and has hosted many functions, not just political ones.”
Story by Parliament Watch Ug
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