Salim Saleh

Salim Saleh
General Salim Saleh in 2005
Senior Presidential Adviser on Defence and Security
Assumed office
2002
Appointed byPresident Yoweri Museveni
Senior Presidential Adviser on Defence and Security
In office
1996–1998
Succeeded byElly Tumwine
In office
2001–2003
Personal details
BornCaleb Akandwanaho
(1960-01-14) 14 January 1960
PartyNRM
ParentAmos Kaguta (father) Esteri Kokundeka Nganzi (mother)
EducationMakerere University
Uganda Senior Command and Staff College
Kimaka, Jinja, Uganda
AwardsKabalega Star Medal
Honorary Diploma in cooperatives and business administration
Military service
Allegiance Uganda
Branch/serviceFront for National Salvation
Popular Resistance Army
National Resistance Army
Years of service1976–2005
RankGeneral
Battles/warsUgandan Bush War
Post-1986 Northern Uganda Operations-UPDA
First Congo War
Second Congo War
Operation Thunderbolt (1997)
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Salim Saleh (born Caleb Akandwanaho; 14 January 1960) is a retired Ugandan military officer who served in the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF). He is a brother to Yoweri Museveni, and an adviser to the President on military matters. He served as Minister of State for microfinance from 2006 to 2008.

Saleh served as a member of Parliament representing the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) in the seventh Parliament of Uganda

In 2003, Saleh played a key role in peacebuilding efforts in Northern Uganda, particularly in the context of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency. As part of the Presidential Peace Team, he worked on initiatives aimed at encouraging defections among LRA fighters. At a cleansing ceremony for former abductees in Gulu, Saleh publicly expressed emotional distress at the suffering endured by child captives. He also advocated for greater involvement of traditional leaders in the peace process and called for government support to empower their role in conflict resolution.

In April 2025, Saleh was recognised by President Yoweri Museveni during Peace Day celebrations in Yumbe District for his role in securing peace in the West Nile sub-region. The event marked the 23rd anniversary of the 24 December 2002, peace agreement between the Government of Uganda and the Uganda National Rescue Front II (UNRF II), which ended decades of conflict in the area. Saleh, along with other former rebel leaders, was acknowledged for contributions to the peace process and post-conflict stability in West Nile.

In March 2013, Kigumba Cooperative College in Kiryandongo District awarded Saleh an honorary diploma in cooperatives and business administration for his involvement in the promotion of cooperative unions in Uganda. The recognition was given during the institution's 22nd graduation ceremony, where speakers highlighted his previous work with savings and credit cooperative organisations, including during his time as Minister of State for Microfinance. In his address, Saleh discussed the role of cooperatives in local development and efforts to reduce rural-to-urban migration.