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Uganda Law Society — General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), recently explained why he did not stand to be a UPDF Member of Parliament (MP) in the 2026 elections. In a candid statement, he revealed that his choice was guided by a higher purpose that goes beyond politics.
“I didn’t stand to be a UPDF member of Parliament because I believe my greatest purpose is to serve the God of UPDF (Almighty God) elsewhere,” Gen. Muhoozi said. “To serve Him in the field, where men live and die.” These words reflect the deep sense of duty he feels toward both his faith and his military service.
For Gen. Muhoozi, military service is not just a career; it is a calling. He believes that his role in the UPDF gives him a unique opportunity to serve God directly by leading soldiers in the field, where real-life challenges and sacrifices are made daily.
He explained that the battlefield and the frontlines are where leadership truly matters. It is in these moments, he said, that courage, strategy, and faith come together to shape the destiny of soldiers and the nation.
By choosing to remain in active military service rather than joining Parliament, Gen. Muhoozi emphasizes action over rhetoric. For him, decisions made on the field have immediate consequences, affecting lives directly, unlike decisions made behind parliamentary desks.
His statement also sends a message about priorities. While representing the UPDF in Parliament is an honorable role, he believes that the impact of guiding and protecting soldiers in operational contexts aligns more closely with his personal mission.
Gen. Muhoozi congratulated the ten officers who were elected as UPDF MPs. He expressed confidence that they would serve the military and the nation with dedication, while he continues his own work in the field.
He described the work of the UPDF as sacred. Soldiers face life-and-death situations regularly, and their leadership must be both spiritually guided and professionally sound. Gen. Muhoozi sees himself as part of that spiritual and operational leadership.
This approach reflects a broader philosophy where military duty is inseparable from moral and spiritual responsibility. He believes that the strength of the UPDF depends not only on strategy and weapons but also on the courage, values, and faith of its leaders.
Throughout his statement, Gen. Muhoozi avoided political critique, focusing instead on his personal choice and the significance of serving in the field. His decision underscores a belief that true service is measured by action rather than title.
Military tradition in Uganda has often seen senior officers take parliamentary roles to influence policy. Gen. Muhoozi’s decision to abstain signals a deliberate choice to focus on operational leadership rather than legislative responsibilities.
Observers say his choice reflects his understanding of the modern military leader’s role: being present among the troops, ensuring their welfare, and guiding strategic missions personally.
He highlighted that leadership is about presence. A commander who is seen, understood, and trusted by soldiers can make a difference that no legislative role can replicate.
By framing his mission as service to “the God of UPDF,” Gen. Muhoozi elevates his work to a spiritual dimension. For him, military leadership carries moral obligations and responsibilities that extend beyond the human sphere.
He believes that faith and duty go hand in hand. Soldiers, he notes, look to their leaders not just for instructions but also for courage and inspiration rooted in principles greater than themselves.
His statement arrives at a time when the UPDF continues to engage in complex security challenges, both within Uganda and in the region. Gen. Muhoozi sees his presence in these operations as crucial to national stability.
In explaining his decision, he painted a vivid picture of the realities of military life: “In the field, men live and die. That is where leadership matters most.” This view reinforces his preference for action over politics.
The Chief of Defence Forces reiterated that serving in Parliament would not allow him to fulfill this particular calling. For him, being at the center of operations and guiding soldiers firsthand is the highest form of service.
His remarks have sparked discussions on military leadership, civil-military relations, and the role of faith in service. Many see his decision as an expression of personal integrity and dedication to duty.
In conclusion, Gen. Muhoozi reaffirmed his commitment to the UPDF and to the principles that guide it.
While he respects the parliamentary process and those elected to represent the military, he remains steadfast in his choice to serve God and country where he believes he is needed most — in the field, alongside the men and women of the UPDF.
