The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Council yesterday elected new representatives to the 11th Parliament. The race had 20 contestants vying to fill the mandated 10 slots.
The male nominees included; Security Minister General Elly Tumwine, Works Minister Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, Gen David Muhoozi the Chief of Defense Forces, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Wilson Mbadi, Lt Gen Peter Elwelu the Commander for Land Forces, Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, Lt Gen Charles Lutaaya, Lt Gen Andrew Gutti, Lt Gen James Mugira, Maj Gen Sam Kiwanuka, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, Maj Gen Sam Okiding, Brig Gen James Kinsalwa, Brig Gen Michael Kisaame, Brig-Gen Francis Chemo and Brig Gen Ogik Bob Paskiesky.
The seven slots for male representatives were taken by: Gen David Muhoozi, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, Lt Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, Lt Gen James Mugira, Maj Gen Henry Matsiko and Maj Gen Sam Kavuma.
There were also four female nominated candidates Colonel Dr Victoria Nekesa, Lieutenant Col Charity Bainababo, Lt Col Susan Mwanga and Lt Col Dr Jenifer Alanyo.
Three that won the women slots are Col Dr Victor Nekesa, Lt Col Charity Bainababo and Maj Dr Jennifer Alanyo.
After the voting, President Yoweri Museveni who is the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF addressed a meeting at the Land Forces Headquarters in Bombo where he called upon the new members of Parliament to support the seven key priority areas that include; equipping the army, roads, railway and water ways, electricity, health education, salaries for the scientists and the armed forces and wealth funds.
“Equipping our Armed Forces to be second to none in our region of Africa; and I will not compromise on that,”Museveni said.
He added that the Army MPs are in Parliament to be a conveyor belt for National issues and be listening posts.