Kiryowa Kiwanuka

Kiryowa Kiwanuka Nsumikambi Mugambe, commonly known as Kiryowa Kiwanuka, is a Ugandan lawyer, businessman and politician who serves as the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs in the Ugandan Cabinet. He was appointed to that position on 26 May 2026, replacing Jacob Marksons Oboth. He previously served as the Attorney General of Uganda from 8 June 2021 to 25 May 2026.

Early life and education Kiwanuka was born in Uganda circa 1973. His father, the late Jimmy Mugambe Kiwanuka, was a Ugandan lawyer. His late paternal grandfather, Jolly Joe Kiwanuka, was a Ugandan politician who was murdered by dictator Idi Amin in the early 1970s. He then attended the Law Development Centre from 1996 to 1997, graduating with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.

Career Kiwanuka began his legal career as a legal associate at Mulira & Co. Advocates. During his tenure in private practice, he specialized in commercial litigation, corporate arbitration, energy, and infrastructure law. He accumulated extensive experience arguing high-stakes cases before Uganda's national courts of judicature and the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), representing both state and non-state entities, while also serving as an advisory technical resource and negotiator across the African continent. He served as the government's chief legal advisor until 25 May 2026. He was re-appointed to the board for a second term on 12 February 2020, serving until he assumed the position of Attorney General in June 2021.

He also served as a member of the Makerere University Council from December 2018 to December 2022. During his tenure on the council, he chaired the Audit Committee and was a member of the Appointments Board.

Additionally, he serves as the Chairman of Express Football Club, a premier league soccer club in Uganda.