Jacob Markson Oboth officially took office as the new Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MODVA) in a transition ceremony held at the MODVA Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.
Oboth succeeds Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, while Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke replaces Oleru Huda as the new Minister of State for Defence and Veterans Affairs.
This transition follows a recent cabinet reshuffle by President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as the commander-in-chief, on March 21.
During the ceremony, outgoing Minister Ssempijja congratulated Oboth on his new appointment and extended his best wishes for success. He expressed gratitude to President Museveni for ensuring continuity within the system and for the renewed commitment to advancing the nation’s socio-economic transformation.
Ssempijja’s tenure is marked by achievements such as strengthening UPDF training and capacity building, improving welfare, advancing Defence Diplomacy, and enhancing Defence Strategy and Planning to develop effective contingency plans for addressing security emergencies.
In his acceptance speech, Oboth expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the trust placed in him and the increased responsibility. He thanked his predecessor for mentoring him into a dedicated leader.
“We have a mandate under Article 208 and 209 of the UPDF Act to formulate Defence policy and, importantly, to interpret the Commander in Chief’s directives through consultations,” Oboth emphasized.
He pledged to uphold the core values of the Defence Ministry and collaborate with the current Technical Military Committees (TMCs) and other staff members.
Prior to his appointment, Oboth served as the State Minister for Defence. He holds a degree in Law from Makerere University and a Master’s Degree in Election and Cyber Law from the University of Minnesota, USA. His previous roles include serving as Deputy Attorney General for Tieng Adhola Cultural Institution and as a state attorney in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
At the same ceremony, outgoing Minister of State Oleru Huda handed over office to Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke. Nyirabashitsi expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the opportunity and pledged to fulfill her duties effectively.
Huda wished his successor well and affirmed his commitment to continue serving the government in other capacities.
The transition at MODVA underscores the Ministry’s enduring legacy of resilience, discipline, and continuity, reflecting its broader mandate to safeguard the well-being of all Ugandan citizens beyond military operations.
