Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo of Uganda has risen from humble beginnings in Katakwi District to become one of the country's most powerful political figures. Born on May 23, 1974, Alupo was raised by George William Epel, an educationist, and Bernadette Akol, a midwife. Her educational journey began at Apuuton Primary School before she proceeded to Kangole Girls School and Ngora High School.
Before joining the military, Alupo reportedly trained as a school canteen attendant. She joined the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in 1999 after undertaking an officer cadet course at the Uganda Junior Staff College in Jinja. During her military career, she served as an instructor at the Uganda Urban Warfare Training School in Singo and worked in military administration at Bombo.
Alupo's academic qualifications also became an important part of her professional journey. She graduated from Makerere University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Linguistics. She subsequently pursued postgraduate studies in international relations and diplomacy, as well as public administration and management. In 2015, she received an honorary doctorate from Shenyang University in China.
Alupo entered elective politics in 2001 when she won the Katakwi District Woman parliamentary seat on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket. She retained the constituency in the 2006 elections. In 2009, President Yoweri Museveni appointed her State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs before promoting her to Minister of Education and Sports in 2011.
Alupo's political fortunes suffered a setback in 2016 when she lost her parliamentary seat. However, she returned to Parliament after winning the Katakwi Woman MP election in 2021. On June 8, 2021, Museveni appointed her Vice President, making her Uganda’s second female vice president after Dr Specioza Wandira Kazibwe.
On Monday evening, November 9, 2026, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba launched a series of attacks against Alupo through his X account, questioning her loyalty and demanding that she prepare to relinquish her position. Muhoozi described Alupo as a traitor, linked her to allegations surrounding retired General Peter Elwelu and revived claims about her alleged political association with former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi.
Despite Muhoozi's public criticism, Alupo's position as Vice President remains secure. Article 108 of Uganda’s Constitution provides that the President appoints the Vice President with Parliament’s approval. The office becomes vacant if the President revokes the appointment, or if the incumbent resigns or dies. Alupo is married to retired Major Innocent Tukashaba and is described as a mother, farmer, and Pan-Africanist.
Key points
- General Muhoozi Kainerugaba launched a public attack on Vice President Jessica Alupo
- Alupo's position as Vice President is secure according to Uganda's Constitution
- Alupo has a background in military service and education before entering politics
