The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, says the new headquarters of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs will contribute to the operational efficiency, coordination, and capabilities of the UPDF.
He made the revelation on Monday morning while commissioning the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new headquarters of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA) in Mbuya, Kampala.
“It is of strategic importance that MoDVA headquarters are accommodated in a modern and comfortable setting. 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 defence strategy,” Gen. Kainerugaba said.
“We are not only building for today, but also, for tomorrow. So, this should be taken into consideration. They should incorporate all the latest technologies to help us (UPDF) achieve our work, even 10 to 15 years from now.”
He added: “We will build sustainable and future-ready headquarters.”
Gen Kainerugaba further thanked President Yoweri Museveni for the support in making this Shs94 billion 5-storied twin office blocks project, a reality.
Quoting Gen Kainerugaba’s Military Assistant, Col Chris Magezi, Chimpreports, a local publication, reported that the works will be completed in 2.5 years.
Since Gen Muhoozi was appointed CDF in March 2024, plenty of infrastructural projects have taken off the ground at Mbuya with more expected there and at other military facilities, according to defence officials.
Col Chris Magezi said the Defence Ministry headquarters “of old is already unrecognizable.”
He said, “Expansive new works include a shiny new quarter guard (entrance), spruced up Chua II Road with a widened new layer of tarmac and a new perimeter fence spanning close to 2 kilometers.”
Other new features include “an alternate security road, major renovation works of existing structures, and enhanced security measures/features.”
Magezi said major renovation works of other existing structures will commence in tandem, emphasising that Gen Muhoozi is renowned for similar achievements while Chief Land Forces (CLF) and before that, Commander Special Forces Command.
Some of the recent projects which Muhoozi has spearheaded include Semuliki House at Ruhengyere barracks in Kiruhura district and motor repair workshop and officers’ housing at General Military headquarters in Bombo.