President Yoweri Museveni, also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has chaired the Defence Forces Council meeting at State House, Entebbe.
A focal point of the meeting was the inauguration of the UPDF Establishment 2021 and during the session, the president signed the executive order and received four copies of the UPDF Establishment book.
Joined by high-ranking military officials, President Museveni emphasized strategic decisions aimed at bolstering national security and enhancing the efficiency of the UPDF.
Preceded by a High Command session on February 16th, 2024, the meeting marked the unveiling of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) Establishment 2021, signifying a significant stride in modernizing and optimizing Uganda’s defense framework.
In his address, President Museveni likened the role of the UPDF Establishment 2021 to that of medical professionals, stressing its pivotal role in preserving and safeguarding the nation’s well-being.
He underscored that just as medical professionals focus on preventative measures to maintain health, the UPDF’s core mission is to ensure peace and security in Uganda.
“This UPDF Establishment is like public health and medical treatment. In the case of sickness, public health is done by observing elements of nutrition, vaccination, clean water, and all these are done for someone to avoid sickness. But in case he or she gets sick, there are also curative measures,” he noted.
President Museveni articulated that the doctrine of defense and the establishment’s structures prioritize effective planning and execution essential for upholding peace and security across the nation.
Highlighting the visionary approach behind the launched UPDF Establishment, President Museveni emphasized its crucial role in safeguarding peace and security in Uganda.
During the council meeting, the president posthumously honored the Late Lt. Gen. (Rtd). Pecos Kutesa, presenting a plaque and certificate to his family for his distinguished service as the 1st Chairman of the UPDF establishment committee.
President Museveni fondly reminisced about the bravery and contributions of the late military figure, acknowledging his significant role in Uganda’s liberation struggle.
Gen. Pecos Kutesa, who joined the armed struggle under the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA), made invaluable contributions until his retirement on August 5, 2021, after a remarkable forty-six-year military career.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, commended the exhaustive seven-year process culminating in the formulation of the UPDF Establishment 2021.
He emphasized the document’s consultative nature, highlighting its focus on jointness at the strategic level and operational leanness, in alignment with decentralization principles.
Hon. Vincent Ssempijja, the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, hailed the UPDF Establishment 2021 as a blueprint for organizational effectiveness and operational prowess.
He emphasized the document’s vision for a modern, agile, and resilient defense force, reflecting Uganda’s commitment to national security and sovereignty in a dynamic global landscape.
“The launch of the UPDF Establishment 2021 signals Uganda’s commitment to ensuring national security and safeguarding its sovereignty in an ever-evolving global landscape. With a focus on efficiency, adaptability, and synergy, the UPDF continues to evolve as a formidable guardian of Uganda’s interests and aspirations,” he asserted.
The Minister also lauded President Museveni for his leadership in ensuring peace and stability, laying a strong foundation for Uganda’s rapid socioeconomic transformation.