The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has begun construction of its first dedicated funeral home at Land Forces Headquarters in Bombo, a facility expected to be the first in Uganda and the second in East Africa.
The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Major General Joseph Ssemwanga, Deputy Commander of Land Forces, who represented the Commander of Land Forces.
He thanked the UPDF representatives in the 11th Parliament for securing funding for the project.
“We extend our appreciation to the 11th UPDF Members of Parliament for funding this project. We pray that the 12th Parliament will continue where the 11th left off,” Maj Gen Ssemwanga said.
The funeral home will provide comprehensive services, including body preparation, viewing, prayers, memorial documentaries, transportation, and final send-offs for fallen UPDF personnel.
Brigadier General Chris Bagonza, Chief of Staff – Land Forces, highlighted the importance of the facility in honouring deceased soldiers.
“The idea of having a UPDF funeral home is to mourn our departed comrades in a dignified manner, eulogise them, and to document our history,” he said.
Colonel Hon Dr Victoria Nekesa, representing the benchmarking team, explained that the initiative came from UPDF MPs who secured funding through the parliamentary caucus.
To ensure professional standards, the team visited Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, Kenya, to adopt best practices in funeral home design, management, and operations.
The one-acre facility will be a vertical structure expected to be completed in six months.
It will include a reception area, consultation rooms, a chapel for memorial services, autopsy and body holding areas, administrative offices, and parking for visitors and service providers.
The ceremony was attended by senior UPDF officials, including Brig Gen Dr Patrick Ogwok Ocen, Brig Gen Edward Mutawe, Lt Col Hon Dr Jennifer Alanyo, and Col Deborah Nayebare, along with directors and departmental staff from Land Forces.
This project marks a historic step in providing professional, dignified funeral services for the UPDF community.
