Since gaining independence in 1962, Uganda has had a dynamic political landscape, with the role of Vice President evolving alongside the nation’s governance.
William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope III (October 1963 – April 1966)
William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope III, also known as Sir William Wilberforce Nadiope, was a prominent Ugandan leader who served as the country’s first Vice President from October 1963 to April 1966. Born in 1911, Nadiope was the Prince of Bugabula and played a crucial role in the country’s transition to independence.
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As Vice President, Nadiope worked closely with President Milton Obote to shape the country’s early years. He was a key figure in the development of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), a political party that played a dominant role in Ugandan politics during the 1960s. Nadiope brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, helping to shape the country’s early years and lay the foundation for its future development.
In addition to his role as Vice President, Nadiope was also a prominent figure in the Kingdom of Busoga, serving as the Kyabazinga (king) from 1949 to 1955 and again from 1962 to 1966. He was a strong advocate for the rights and interests of the Basoga people and worked tirelessly to promote their welfare and development. Through his various roles, Nadiope left a lasting legacy in Uganda.
John Babiiha (April 1966 – January 1971)
John Babiiha was appointed as Uganda’s first Vice President in April 1966, serving under President Milton Obote. At the time, Babiiha was a key figure in the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), having played a crucial role in the party’s establishment in 1959.
As Vice President, Babiiha was tasked with supporting President Obote in the administration of the country. However, his tenure was marked by a significant event in December 1969, when President Obote survived an assassination attempt.
In the aftermath of the attempt on President Obote’s life, Babiiha temporarily assumed control of the government and declared a national state of emergency. This move was seen as a bid to stabilize the country and prevent further unrest.
Babiiha’s term as Vice President came to an end in January 1971, when a military coup ousted President Obote from power. Babiiha himself retired from politics and returned to his farms, where he remained until his death in March 1982.
Mustafa Adrisi (January 1977 – April 1979)
In 1977, Mustafa Adrisi was appointed Vice President by President Idi Amin. Adrisi’s tenure was marked by internal conflicts within the military, particularly between factions loyal to him and those supporting Amin.
The tensions between Adrisi and Amin came to a head in April 1978, when Adrisi was involved in a suspicious car accident. The incident sparked speculation that Amin had orchestrated an assassination attempt against his deputy.
Adrisi fled to Sudan during the Uganda-Tanzania War, where he continued to claim the vice presidency while in exile. His fate remains a subject of controversy, with some accounts suggesting that he was killed in the conflict.
Paulo Muwanga (December 1980 – July 1985)
Paulo Muwanga served as Vice President under President Milton Obote’s second administration, from 1980 to 1985. Muwanga’s tenure was characterized by political instability, which ultimately culminated in the 1985 coup d’état that deposed Obote.
In the years that followed, Uganda underwent a period of significant transition. The country was governed by a series of interim administrations, before President Yoweri Museveni came to power in 1986.
Samson Kisekka (January 1991 – November 1994)
Under President Museveni, Dr Samson Kisekka was appointed Vice President in 1991. Prior to this, Kisekka had served as Prime Minister from 1986 to 1991, and was widely respected for his contributions to Uganda’s medical field.
Kisekka’s tenure as Vice President was marked by efforts to rebuild Uganda’s economy and infrastructure. He worked closely with President Museveni to implement a range of development initiatives, aimed at improving the living standards of Ugandans.
Specioza Kazibwe (November 1994 – May 2003)
In 1994, Dr Specioza Kazibwe made history when she became Africa’s first female Vice President. A surgeon by profession, Kazibwe was a pioneering figure in Ugandan politics.
As Vice President, Kazibwe advocated tirelessly for women’s rights and development in Uganda. She worked to promote the empowerment of women, and to address the social and economic challenges faced by women in Ugandan society.
Gilbert Bukenya (May 2003 – May 2011)
Kazibwe’s tenure as Vice President came to an end in 2003, when she was succeeded by Professor Gilbert Bukenya. Bukenya served as Vice President until 2011, during which time he focused on initiatives aimed at poverty reduction and improving healthcare services.
Edward Ssekandi (May 2011 – June 2021)
In 2011, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi was appointed Vice President, bringing extensive legislative experience to the executive branch. Ssekandi had previously served as the Speaker of Parliament, and was widely respected for his knowledge of Ugandan politics.
Ssekandi’s tenure as Vice President was marked by efforts to strengthen the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government. He worked closely with President Museveni to promote the development of Uganda’s institutions, and to enhance the country’s governance.
Jessica Alupo (June 2021 – present)
In 2021, Major (Retired) Jessica Rose Epel Alupo became Uganda’s Vice President, becoming the second woman to hold this position. A former Minister of Education and Sports, Alupo brought a wealth of experience from her military background and public service.
As Vice President, Alupo has continued to advocate for the empowerment of women, and to promote the development of Uganda’s education sector. Her appointment reflects the ongoing efforts of the Ugandan government to promote gender equality and women’s participation in leadership roles.
