Ugandan lawyer, businessman and politician; Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs since May 2026
Uganda has authorised the deployment of its troops to Gaza as part of the International Stabilization Force, following a July disarmament agreement. Parliament has backed the move amid mixed voices; the force aims to secure a humanitarian zone and support post-war stabilization, with pledges from several countries.
Lt Col Jonny Thompson, a popular equerry in the Royal Household, is leaving at year-end after seven years in service. He has commanded Balaklava Company, served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has been senior equerry since 2022. Buckingham Palace thanks him for his support.