MP Odur Questions Muhoozi’s Authority as Defense Minister Denies Knowledge of UPDF Deployment

Erute South MP Jonathan Odur has raised serious concerns over the government’s handling of Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) deployments after Defense Minister Jacob Oboth admitted he was unaware of troop movements to Juba, South Sudan.

Reacting to Oboth’s statement in Parliament, Odur questioned whether the government was in control of the military or if Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba was acting independently.

“If it is true, it is a serious matter. Let the government show us that they are actually working. This wouldn’t be something difficult for the minister to verify if there is a government running,” Odur stated.

The MP argued that if Uganda had a functional government, such critical military decisions would not be shrouded in confusion.

He challenged the defense minister to clarify whether Muhoozi was operating outside official government channels.

“Since it is an urgent matter and the government seems to be in control, unless they are saying they aren’t in control of this particular CDF—that he can actually deploy without the knowledge of government—the minister can verify this information and bring it here because it has implications in terms of resources,” he added.

Odur’s remarks add to growing concerns over the role of social media in military communications, as well as the transparency and accountability of UPDF operations.