Maj (rtd) Jessica Alupo is the new Vice President of Uganda. She was appointed to the position on Tuesday as President Yoweri Museveni released a list of his new cabinet.
Alupo was born in Katakwi District on 23 May 1974. She attended Apuuton Katakwi Primary School. She then attended Kangole Girls School for her O-Level studies. For her A-Level education, Alupo studied at Ngora High School.
She trained as a high school canteen attendant before she underwent the officer cadet course at the Uganda Junior Staff College in Jinja. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and linguistics, obtained in 1997 from Makerere University. Her first master’s degree, the Master of Arts in international relations and diplomacy, was also obtained from Makerere University in 2008. She also holds a Diploma in public administration and management, obtained in 2008 from the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
Alupo’s second master’s degree is the Masters in public administration and management, obtained in 2009, also from Makerere University.
Over the years, she has been employed in various capacities including:
As a teacher at the Katakwi High School in the town of Katakwi, Katakwi District, Eastern Region of Uganda.
As an instructor at the Uganda Urban Warfare Training School, Singo, Nakaseke District, Central Region of Uganda.
As an intelligence officer at the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence, in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.
In 2001, she entered politics as a candidate for the Katakwi District women’s representative. She ran on the ticket of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) political party. She won and was re-elected in 2006. In 2009, she was appointed as state minister for youth and children affairs. In 2011, she was re-elected to her parliamentary constituency. In the cabinet reshuffle of 27 May 2011, she was promoted to the post of minister of education and sports. Alupo replaced Namirembe Bitamazire, who was dropped from the cabinet.
In 2016, she lost her parliamentary seat only to bounce back in 2021 as Katakwi Woman MP.
Alupo is married to Innocent Tukashaba.She is reported to enjoy reading, community mobilization, and travel.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
