The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has vowed to dismiss all corrupt soldiers, regardless of their rank, from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to maintain its dignity.
Gen Muhoozi, who was closing a retreat on asset and inventory management, said soldiers with corrupt tendencies should quit UPDF before he lands on them because they will taste his ire.
“Any individual or group with selfish interests such as corruption, misappropriation of resources, or mismanagement of whatever kind should reform immediately, or better still leave our cherished UPDF before they are found,” Gen Muhoozi said.
Gen Muhoozi’s warning comes weeks after information emerged that a UPDF Colonel was paid over a billion shillings to spy on his own army’s activities for rival forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Sources in UPDF said the Colonel whose acts were unearthed last year was arrested and made to confess before senior military officers. “He confessed that he had been paid USD 300,000, which was more than a billion shillings. He handed over this money to senior military officials and provided details of how he was contacted,” sources said.
Gen Muhoozi has warned any individuals or groups with corrupt motives to reform or leave the UPDF. He promised to take decisive action against anyone who undermined the UPDF’s combat power and troop welfare through mismanagement.
“You should know that logistics play a critical role in modern military operations. Amateurs talk about tactics, but professionals talk about logistics. Effective asset and inventory management is not merely a logistical concern but a cornerstone of operational success,” Gen Muhoozi said.
Col. Deo Akiiki, the UPDF deputy Spokesperson, said the retreat brought together senior military officers, logistics experts, and facilitators, focused on enhancing the UPDF’s logistics systems to ensure operational readiness and force sustainment.
Col Akiiki added that the retreat focused on improving the UPDF’s logistics function, including effective procurement systems, equipment repair and maintenance, inventory management, safe warehousing, cost-effective transportation, and establishing reliable supply chains.
Soldiers have been reminded that logistics plays a pivotal role in tracking and accountability, resource optimization, and ensuring operational readiness. Gen Muhoozi outlined three critical principles for effective logistics management, which include planning, implementation, and control.
Regarding control, Gen Muhoozi stressed the need for strict adherence to approved plans and specifications. “If we agree to procure uniforms or equipment for our soldiers, and have agreed on certain specifications, including quality and quantity, nobody should turn around and supply something different,” he said.