Update | Kampala
Uganda’s Parliament has officially recognized the Special Forces Command (SFC) as a formal and permanent part of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The move was made under Section 2(c) of the UPDF Act (Amendment), which now lists the SFC as one of the four official services of the national army. This legal recognition aligns with Article 210(a) of the Constitution, which empowers Parliament to regulate the structure of the UPDF.
The decision marks the end of a long-standing legal grey area for the elite unit, which has for years operated without formal recognition, despite playing a powerful role within the security establishment.
With this move, the SFC—often tasked with protecting the President and responding to national security threats—now enjoys full legitimacy and legal permanence under Ugandan law.
Security analysts say the SFC’s formal inclusion also reflects its strategic importance, as it is seen by many as a critical force capable of countering any serious threats to President Museveni’s leadership, including potential coups.
This development brings clarity to the UPDF’s structure and could signal a broader consolidation of the country’s military command under formal legal frameworks.
