The Deputy Inspector General of Government (DIGG), Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, has urged the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to consider establishing a Military Ombudsman to provide an independent and accessible mechanism for handling complaints within the military.
Muhairwe said the proposed office would enable military officers and other personnel to report grievances, alleged victimisation and injustices without fear of intimidation or the influence of the military hierarchy.
She made the remarks during a boardroom meeting with officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs at Mbuya, Kampala, as part of activities to commemorate International Ombuds Day 2026.
The Deputy IGG explained that a Military Ombudsman would provide a more accessible and civilian-friendly approach to resolving administrative grievances, helping to bridge the gap between military personnel, government institutions and the public.
She emphasised that the Ombudsman’s role differs from that of anti-corruption agencies, noting that an Ombudsman is an independent and impartial individual or institution appointed to provide avenues for resolving complaints between citizens and public officials.
According to Muhairwe, such a mechanism would encourage personnel across the military ranks to report concerns and seek redress without being deterred by institutional hierarchies.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, acknowledged that the military already has mechanisms for handling grievances but pledged to study the proposal before making any commitment to establish a Military Ombudsman.
The discussions also touched on complaints received by the Inspectorate of Government concerning the alleged involvement of military officers in land disputes with civilians.
Muhairwe highlighted the complaints as an area requiring attention, emphasising the importance of effective mechanisms for addressing grievances and ensuring accountability in public institutions.
Kiryowa reiterated the ministry’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption and assured the Inspectorate of Government delegation that all complaints brought to its attention would be thoroughly investigated.
He also commended the Inspectorate for its continued efforts to fight corruption and promote accountability in government institutions.
The meeting further addressed the legal requirement for senior military officers to declare their incomes, assets and liabilities within the prescribed timelines.
The discussions considered the importance of compliance with applicable laws and the guidance provided by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on accountability and asset declaration. The meeting agreed to develop a framework to facilitate compliance with the declaration requirements.
The Deputy Commander of the Defence Forces, who also serves as the ministry’s Inspector General, emphasised that the welfare of both military and civilian staff was a priority.
He pledged to address matters brought to his attention promptly, underscoring the importance of staff welfare in promoting effective institutional performance.
Muhairwe thanked the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his contribution to the fight against corruption and commended the visible infrastructure improvements at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters.
The Deputy IGG was accompanied by directors and assistant directors from the Inspectorate of Government during the engagement.
The meeting formed part of the Inspectorate’s broader efforts to promote administrative justice, strengthen accountability and encourage public institutions to establish effective mechanisms for addressing complaints.
If adopted, the proposed Military Ombudsman framework could provide an additional avenue for resolving grievances involving military personnel while complementing existing complaint-handling mechanisms within the defence sector.
