The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba on Monday launched the construction of a state-of-the-art joint headquarters for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs in Mbuya, Kampala.
The new facility is expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency, coordination, and capabilities within Uganda’s defense sector.
Gen Kainerugaba emphasized the importance of the project, stating that it is designed to meet both current and future needs of the UPDF.
“We are not only building for today, but we are also building for tomorrow,” he said. “This building will take that into consideration, ensuring that we have a sustainable and future-ready headquarters.”
The new headquarters, which will incorporate cutting-edge technology and infrastructure, is part of a broader effort to modernize the UPDF and strengthen its strategic capabilities. The CDF highlighted that the construction of a modern headquarters is a critical step in building a defense institution that is “worthy of the name of the UPDF.”
The project, which is expected to cost approximately Shs94 billion, was described by Edith Butuuro, the Ministry’s Undersecretary of Finance and Administration, as a major investment in the country’s defense infrastructure.
Representing the Permanent Secretary at the event, Butuuro assured Gen Kainerugaba of the Ministry’s commitment to mobilizing the necessary resources to complete the project.
The CDF expressed a desire for the project to be completed in less than the projected three-year timeline, stating, “Three years sounds like a long time.” He also reflected on the previous defense headquarters, acknowledging that they had been a source of embarrassment for the UPDF compared to those of neighboring countries. “It has not been a good image for the UPDF,” he admitted, adding, “Thank God today we’re remedying that problem.”
The new headquarters is expected to improve decision-making processes and enhance coordination among various defense units, demonstrating the government’s commitment to national security and defense.
Gen Kainerugaba expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for supporting the initiative and reaffirmed the UPDF leadership’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in defense and security.
Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, the Chief Joint Staff, thanked Gen Kainerugaba for his support in ensuring the project’s commencement.
He revealed that Shs10 billion had been allocated for the project last year, with an additional Shs10 billion to be released in the second quarter of this financial year. The construction will be carried out by UPDF engineers, reflecting the army’s self-reliance in such critical infrastructure projects.
Butuuro praised Gen Kainerugaba’s leadership, citing his previous successful undertakings, such as the construction projects while commanding the Special Forces Command (SFC) and the mobilization of Shs50 billion for barracks facilities in Bombo. She described him as “a leader who not only has a heart to command operations but also a heart for the welfare of his people.”
The event was attended by several key military officials, including Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Maj Gen Bob Ogiki, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, and Brig Gen Richard Karemire, among others.
The UPDF headquarters, located in Mbuya, Kampala, has long been in need of modernization. The existing facilities have been criticized for being outdated and inadequate compared to those of neighboring countries.
The new joint headquarters project represents a significant step forward in addressing these concerns, aiming to provide the UPDF with a modern, well-equipped command center that reflects the evolving needs of Uganda’s defense forces.
