UPDF launches first-ever Scientific Advisory Committee to strengthen Health Security and Disease Surveillance

In a groundbreaking move to enhance its medical preparedness and disease surveillance, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has officially launched its inaugural Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC)—a strategic initiative designed to anticipate, assess, and address emerging health threats that may impact the Force and the wider population.

The SAC, chaired by Prof. Dr. Moses Joloba of Makerere University, brings together a distinguished panel of scientific and medical experts, including Prof. Byarugaba Denis – Makerere University, Prof. Peter Olupot – Busitema University, Dr. Susan Nabadda – Ministry of Health and Col. Dr. Kyobe Bbosa – Incident Commander, Ministry of Health.

The establishment of the SAC marks a significant step in integrating science-driven policy and health strategy into Uganda’s defense systems.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), Mrs. Rosette Byengoma, the Under Secretary for Logistics, Mr. Francis Ngabirano Kahiriita, underscored the central role of health in military resilience.

“There is a need for a deeper understanding of known, unknown, anticipated, and unanticipated health threats,” he said. “One of the strategic responses to these challenges is rooted in science, and this is why the SAC was constituted.”

Ngabirano lauded the committee members as a national asset, tasked with advising the UPDF on biological threats, knowledge gaps, and opportunities for regional and global health collaborations.

He thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his leadership and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for approving the formation of the SAC.

Maj Gen Dr. Ambrose Musinguzi, head of the Joint Staff Health Services, reinforced the committee’s role in enhancing the UPDF’s disease detection and response systems.

“We saw it necessary to put mechanisms in place to detect, protect against, and respond to emerging infectious diseases. The SAC will play a critical role in advancing this mission,” he said.

Chairperson Prof. Dr. Joloba welcomed the collaborative opportunity, highlighting the UPDF’s untapped capacity to contribute meaningfully to national and regional public health.

“The UPDF has already made key contributions to public health. This partnership will strengthen efforts to solve pressing health issues beyond military barracks—across Uganda and the region.”

He noted the global precedent for military-led health interventions, emphasizing the UPDF’s readiness to join that legacy.

“The military has long played a pivotal role in health crises. The UPDF is well-positioned to do the same, and we must harness that potential.”

The SAC launch event was attended by senior UPDF leadership, including Service Chiefs of Staff, Generals, and representatives from Makerere and Busitema Universities, signaling a united commitment to integrating scientific expertise into national defense policy.

With the formation of the SAC, the UPDF is taking a bold step toward ensuring force health protection, while also contributing to Uganda’s broader socio-economic transformation and global health security agenda.