Born on May 23, 1974, in Katakwi, Teso region, Jessica Rose Epel Alupo has risen from humble beginnings to become one of Uganda's most powerful political figures. Her father, George William Epel, was a teacher, and her mother, Bernadette Akol, was a midwife. Alupo studied at Apuuton Primary, Kangole Girls, and Ngora High School before joining the army around 1999 via the officer cadet course in Jinja.
Alupo's military career included serving as an instructor at Singo, a staff officer at Bombo, and an intelligence officer in Kampala, rising to major before retiring. She also holds a BA in political science and linguistics from Makerere University (1997), a master's in international relations and diplomacy (2008), and another in public administration (2009/10). An honorary doctorate from Shenyang University in China was awarded to her in 2015.
Alupo entered politics in 2001, winning the Katakwi Woman MP seat on the NRM ticket, and was re-elected in 2006. She was appointed State Minister for Youth in 2009, then Education Minister in 2011, launching the Students Loan Scheme, pushing the quota system, and helping start Muni and Kabale universities. Alupo lost her seat in 2016 but won it back in 2021.
On June 8, 2021, President Museveni named Alupo as Vice President, only the second woman to occupy the country's second-highest constitutional office after Specioza Kazibwe. Parliament re-approved her on May 28, 2026, with 325 votes. Alupo is married to Major Innocent Tukashaba and is a mother and farmer, identifying as a Pan-Africanist.
However, Alupo's position has come under fire following a public confrontation with Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. On Monday night, Muhoozi called her a traitor, tied her to the Peter Elwelu matter and old Mbabazi links, and suggested that the VP post should be handed over to him. His account vanished by Tuesday morning, with no official word from State House.
The confrontation has sparked concerns about Alupo's position and the country's leadership succession. According to the constitution, only the President can remove her from office. The incident has placed her position under an uncomfortable national spotlight, with questions about political loyalty, military influence, and the country's leadership succession dominating public debate.
As the controversy continues, Alupo remains Uganda's Vice President, with her future uncertain. The incident has raised questions about the role of the military in politics and the potential implications for Uganda's leadership succession ahead of 2031. For now, Alupo continues to serve in her position, amidst ongoing public debate and speculation about her future.
Key points
- Alupo's confrontation with Muhoozi Kainerugaba has sparked concerns about her position and Uganda's leadership succession.
- Alupo has risen from humble beginnings to become one of Uganda's most powerful political figures, serving as Vice President since 2021.
- The incident has raised questions about the role of the military in politics and the potential implications for Uganda's leadership succession.
