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UPDF Spokesperson Lauds Army For Upholding Article 209

Simon Peter Nashonji by Simon Peter Nashonji
September 3, 2023
in Featured, News
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Uganda People’s Defence Forces’ (UPDF) spokesperson, Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, has expressed gratitude for UPDF’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its constitutional duty, as enshrined under Article 209 of the Constitution of Uganda.

The acknowledgment came in response to concerns raised by Professor Mwambutsya Ndebesa regarding the increasing involvement of the military in civilian production sectors, a phenomenon Professor Ndebesa says “if left unregulated, may lead Uganda down a perilous path reminiscent of situations in countries like Sudan and Egypt.”

This intellectual discourse unfolded during a security conference organized by Nkumba University in partnership with the Security Studies and Analysis Center (SSAC) at Nkumba University’s Kampala Campus.

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Under the theme “Does the Security Sector in Uganda Undertake Deliberate Efforts to Promote Human Security?”, the conference gathered key security figures, including Army Spokesperson Brigadier Felix Kukayigye, Police Political Commissar CPC Namutebi Hadija, Private Security representative Grace Matsiko, and featured Dr. Sarah Bireete, the Executive Director of the Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG), as the keynote speaker.

The debate was meticulously stirred by Nkumba University’s Director of Post-Graduate Studies, Professor Solomon Assimwe.

In his intellectual submission, Professor Mwambutsya Ndebesa raised concerns about the military’s increasing involvement in the supposedly civilian-dominated production sector under the pretext of National Development, ignoring the problematization this could cause.

Professor Solomon Assimwe setting the pace for discourse. //Photo by Rebecca Nantale



Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye responded to Professor Ndebesa’s concerns by emphasizing the constitutional requirement in Article 209, which empowers UPDF to engage in productive activities for the development of the Country.

The discussion surrounding UPDF’s role in the economy became a pivotal point in the discourse about Uganda’s security sector and its impact on the nation’s overall well-being.

Article 209 stipulates the functions of the defense forces. Section (d) mandates the Force, “to engage in productive activities for the development of Uganda.”

Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye making his submission as CPC Namutebi Hadijah ponders.// photo by Rebecca Nanyale.



Experts condemned the deployment of UPDF officers in key government parastatals, citing potential state capture as a significant concern.

Civil society leader, Dr. Sarah Bireete, warned against security forces’ excessive involvement in production, expressing fears that it could lead to state capture and divert the force from its primary role of safeguarding Ugandans.” such may lead to state capture and divert the Force from its pricey role of safeguarding Ugandans, “. Said Dr. Bireete.

There is growing concern that security operatives may be inclined to serve the interests of their commander-in-chief other than Uganda’s.

Dr. Bireete further criticized presidential directives that may not align with existing legal frameworks, emphasizing the need for alignment with Article 99 of the Constitution, which outlines the executive authority vested in the President.

“When parliament launched investigations into the supposed digital number plates, a directive came from the president to stop the investigations,” she revealed.

Adding that “Article 99 assigns the president the role of protecting the law, not making laws,” emphasizing that “presidential directives should align with existing legal framers.”

(L-R):  Dr. Ann Abaho,  Professor Solomon assimwe,  CPC Namutebi Hadijah, Dr. Sarah Bireete,  Brig. General felix Kulayigye, Mr. Grace Matsiko and professor Mumbustya Ndebesa shortly after the conferenec. //photo by Rebecca Nantale.



As stipulated in the constitution of Uganda, Article 99 outlines the functions of the Executive authority. Section, “(1) The executive authority of Uganda is vested in the President and shall be exercised by this Constitution and the laws of Uganda.”

Concerns about civil rights and freedoms, particularly the right to assemble, were also discussed.

The right to assemble has faced threats, as exemplified by recent events in western Uganda where for the first time in many years, the opposition party, National Unity Platform (NUP) was allowed to carry out processions without interference.

These developments prompted reflections on the delicate balance between security and civil liberties.

Namutebi Hadija, Uganda Police- Chief Political Commissar emphasized the importance of open discussions on matters affecting Ugandans, emphasizing that “one’s rights should not infringe on the rights of others. “

She stressed the need for police “intervention when public order is at risk.”

The conference yielded hopes that intellectual discourses like this would contribute to a more secure and democratic Uganda.

Dr. Ann Abaho, speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University, emphasized the significance of such dialogues in bridging the gap between security entities and civil society and also, in creating a platform for students to engage with key security players in the country.

It was also mentioned that recruiting educated individuals remains a priority to enhance the capabilities of security organizations.

Ugandan Army continues to amass enterprise powers through several establishments said to be tailored for the promotion of Peace and Security in the country.

National Enterprise Corporation was established in 1989 by an Act of Parliament to serve as a commercial arm of the Ministry of Defence /Uganda Defence Forces and to produce goods and services that are beneficial to the Defence Forces and the general public.

This has since seen more establishments such as, The UPDF Engineering Brigade in 2007, Operation wealth Creation in 2013 and the recent UPDF private security firm all maned by the army.

The impading threats this imposes is what remains uncertain.

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Simon Peter Nashonji

Simon Peter Nashonji

Nashonji Simon Peter is a results-driven leader and versatile communications expert with a proven track record of excellence in journalism, public relations, and team management. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Public Relations, a Diploma in Journalism, and a Certificate in Counselling Psychology from Nkumba University. Currently, he is pursuing a Master's degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communication at Nkumba University. Nashonji's journalism career spans over five years. With a notable debut at Chimp Reports in 2018, Nashonji has authored and published over 500 articles on business trends, politics, health, sports, and the environment. To hone his craft, he volunteered as Editor of Nkumba University's News Website in 2022, a position he still holds. In 2023, Nashonji was selected among three students to represent Nkumba University at the year-long 2023 Media Challenge Fellowship, where he served as President of the cohort. Same year, he joined the Editorial team of Ubuntu Magazine, a Rotary District 9214 (Uganda and Tanzania) monthly news product. He is currently the Assistant Public Relations Officer at Nkumba University, President, Airforce S.S.S Alumni Association, and at the same time President, Samia Student's Association of Nkumba University. He is also a member of the Board of Governors at Airforce Senior Secondary School, his alma mater. Prior to his current roles, Nashonji accumulated valuable experience in management, having served as Supervisor at Crane Cafeteria (2019-2021), Restaurant General Manager at Pizza Hut Uganda (2016-2017), and Operations Manager at Corinya (U) Ltd (2010-2015). Nashonji also served as President of the Rotaract Club of Rubaga in the 2014-2015 Rotary year. Under his leadership, the club made a significant contribution of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. Still in Rotary circles, he played a key role in the establishment of the Rotaract Club of Entebbe Airport in 2012 and the Rotaract Club of Nkumba Stewards in 2015. A native of Buhauli village-Busia District, Nashonji is driven by the adage, "Opportunities multiply as they are seized and only dwindle when neglected."    

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