Gen Kainerugaba breaks ground for UGX94b state-of-the-art Defence headquarters
Uganda People’s Defence Forces has embarked on building a 94 billion shilling state of art headquarters in Mbuya. The ground breaking ceremony was presided over by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Kainerugaba Muhoozi. It will also serve as Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs main office.
“It is of strategic importance that headquarters are accommodated in a modern setting,” Gen Muhoozi said. “This directly contributes to the operational efficiency, coordination, and capabilities of the UPDF. Our new headquarters will incorporate the latest technology and infrastructure to support a modern defense strategy.”
Muhoozi expressed confidence in the UPDF leadership’s dedication to excellence in defence and security, noting that the new state-of-the-art headquarters will embody the nation’s strength and resilience.
He also extolled the government particularly the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces, President Yoweri Museveni, for bringing the project to fruition. According to Muhoozi, the new headquarters will enhance decision-making, foster improved coordination between the Joint Staff and Services, and ultimately bolster national security.
“I want to thank UPDF for undertaking the construction of a decent and honourable Joint headquarters of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF, which will be worthy of the name of the UPDF, and I am hopeful that the construction will be executed in two years as opposed to the estimated three years,” Gen Muhoozi said.
The Chief of Joint Staff, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, said the project to be undertaken by the UPDF Engineers is a significant step in the commitment to the professionalisation of the Army under the guidance of President Museveni and CDF Gen Muhoozi.
“For long, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF has not had decent headquarters and now the reality of having one is unfolding before us,” Maj Gen Bakasumba said, adding that it is a fulfillment of the CDF’s strategic priorities, which is infrastructure development in the UPDF and the Ministry.”
Edith Butuuro the Ministry’s Under-secretary of Finance and Administration, announced that the estimated cost of the multi-billion project stands at Shs94 billion, with an initial allocation of Shs20 billion.
“I thank the CDF for his leadership in driving the project, I recognize your efforts to secure resources and prioritize the construction of the headquarters, and I commit my support to the mobilization of additional funds to ensure the its timely completion,” Butuuro said.
