Who is uganda's vice president

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: As of 2024, Uganda's Vice President is Jessica Alupo, who was appointed on June 21, 2021, following the death of former Vice President Edward Ssekandi. She is the first woman to hold the position and serves under President Yoweri Museveni.

Key Facts

Jessica Alupo became Vice President of Uganda on June 21, 2021, succeeding Rebecca Kadaga.
She is the first woman to hold the office of Vice President in Uganda’s history.
Alupo previously served as Minister of Education and Sports from 2011 to 2016.
The Vice President is appointed by the President and confirmed by Parliament.
Uganda’s Vice President earns an annual salary of approximately UGX 138 million (about USD 36,000).

Overview

Uganda's Vice President plays a critical role in the executive branch of government, serving as the second-highest-ranking official after the President. The position was formally established in 1986 when Yoweri Museveni assumed power, and since then, the role has evolved to include both ceremonial and administrative responsibilities.

The Vice President supports the President in governance, represents Uganda in international forums, and steps in during presidential absence. Appointed by the President and confirmed by Parliament, the role lacks a fixed term and is subject to removal at the President’s discretion.

Jessica Alupo has been Vice President since June 21, 2021, following a cabinet reshuffle after the 2021 general elections.
The Vice President is not elected directly but is appointed by the President and must be approved by the Parliament of Uganda.
Before Alupo, Rebecca Kadaga held the office from May 2011 to June 2021 and was also the first woman to serve in this capacity temporarily.
The position was vacant for a brief period in 2016 after Sam Kutesa stepped down, highlighting the political volatility tied to the role.
The Vice President often oversees key national projects, such as infrastructure development and education reform, to support the President’s agenda.

How It Works

The appointment and functioning of Uganda’s Vice President follow a unique blend of constitutional provisions and political pragmatism. While the role is not constitutionally mandated to be filled at all times, it has become a standard feature of the executive since 1986.

Term: The Vice President serves at the pleasure of the President and can be removed at any time, with no fixed term length or term limits.
Appointment Process: The President nominates a candidate, who must then be confirmed by a majority vote in the Parliament of Uganda.
Constitutional Basis: Article 110A of the Ugandan Constitution allows for the creation of the Vice Presidency, though it does not require it.
Succession Role: The Vice President is first in the presidential line of succession, stepping in if the President dies, resigns, or is incapacitated.
Salary and Benefits: The Vice President receives an annual salary of UGX 138 million and is entitled to a state residence and security detail.
International Representation: The Vice President often represents Uganda at regional summits, including those of the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Uganda’s Vice Presidents since 2011, highlighting tenure, gender, and key roles:

NAME	TENURE	GENDER	APPOINTED BY	PREVIOUS ROLE
Jessica Alupo	June 2021 – Present	Female	Yoweri Museveni	Minister of Education
Rebecca Kadaga	May 2011 – June 2021	Female	Yoweri Museveni	Speaker of Parliament
Sam Kutesa	2006 – May 2011	Male	Yoweri Museveni	Foreign Affairs Minister
Edward Ssekandi	2001 – 2006	Male	Yoweri Museveni	Prime Minister
Gilbert Bukenya	2000 – 2001	Male	Yoweri Museveni	Health Minister

This table illustrates a shift toward greater gender inclusion in Uganda’s leadership, with two consecutive female Vice Presidents since 2011. It also reflects the political strategy of appointing loyalists with prior ministerial experience, ensuring alignment with the President’s agenda.

Why It Matters

The role of Vice President in Uganda has grown in significance as the country navigates political transitions and regional diplomacy. While not always in the public spotlight, the Vice President influences policy and succession planning.

The Vice President plays a key role in national unity efforts, especially in mediating regional and ethnic tensions.
Alupo’s appointment marked a milestone for gender equality in Ugandan politics, inspiring more women to enter public service.
The position enhances Uganda’s regional credibility, as the Vice President often engages with EAC and AU counterparts.
Succession planning is critical, given President Museveni’s long tenure, making the Vice President a potential future leader.
The Vice President supports the implementation of national development plans, such as Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan III.
Public perception of the Vice President affects the ruling party’s image, especially during election cycles and cabinet reshuffles.

As Uganda continues to evolve politically, the Vice Presidency remains a strategic position that balances loyalty, competence, and symbolic representation.