President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has called upon leaders to focus on addressing the issues facing Ugandans.
“All these strategic leaders, including Jesus, emphasized prioritization. That is the core element we need to solve a problem,” he said.
The President made these remarks on Saturday, while commissioning the newly constructed Special Forces Command (SFC) Operations Command Control and Coordination Centre at the SFC headquarters in Entebbe.
President Museveni praised the UPDF leadership for professionalizing and improving the standards of the army through various initiatives. He also pledged to continue enhancing the welfare of soldiers and their families by offering free education, healthcare, and accommodation.
Additionally, President Museveni reiterated the importance of empowering soldiers’ spouses by establishing economic ventures such as poultry farming on available barracks land to supplement their incomes.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, described the new facility as more than a structure, calling it a cornerstone of the army’s strategic capabilities and a commitment to security, coordination, and excellence.
“This facility symbolizes our readiness to face modern defense challenges and our determination to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape,” he said.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his strategic leadership and guidance, enabling the SFC and the entire military to execute various projects.
The Commander of Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, representing the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, thanked the President for his ongoing efforts in professionalizing the UPDF from a small army of 27 armed men to a large, admirable force.
“Thank you for your continued efforts in professionalizing the UPDF. It has been a journey for us who have been around for some time. We are witnesses to this transformation, from eating posho and cassava to becoming a force admired by our neighbors,” he said.
He also thanked the army leadership for implementing the President’s vision of transforming the UPDF into a formidable force and completing projects with limited resources.
The SFC Commander, Maj. Gen. David Mugisha, expressed gratitude to the President for attending the event, noting that his presence underscores his commitment to supporting efforts to ensure Uganda’s general security.
He stated that the high-tech equipment in the command center would help address complex security challenges such as cyber security threats, terrorism, and rapid technological advancements.
The design and construction of the facility were carried out by the SFC civil engineers’ regiment. It includes planning offices, CCTV camera monitoring, a geo-mapping room, and a gym, among other services.
The structure was named after Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, alias Salim Saleh, in recognition of his exceptional leadership, patriotism, and Pan-African spirit that symbolizes the revolutionary journey.
Gen. Saleh participated in numerous key battles, including the attack on Kabamba, the battle of Kembogo, Bukalabi, and the capture of Simba Hills, Mubende, and Masindi.
The function was attended by senior UPDF officers and political leaders, among others.