Published on 28/02/2025
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has warned any individuals or groups with corrupt motives to reform or leave the UPDF.
“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,” General Kainerugaba warned.
He vowed to take decisive action against anyone who undermines the UPDF’s combat power and troop welfare through mismanagement.
The CDF was on Thursday speaking at the closing ceremony of a retreat on asset and inventory management held at the College of Logistics and Engineering (COLE) in Magamaga, Jinja.
The retreat, which brought together senior military officers, logistics experts, and facilitators, focused on enhancing the UPDF’s logistics systems to ensure operational readiness and force sustainment.
General Kainerugaba underscored the critical role of logistics in modern military operations, quoting General Omar Bradley: “Amateurs talk about tactics, but professionals talk about logistics.” He emphasized that effective asset and inventory management is not merely a logistical concern but a cornerstone of operational success.
The CDF outlined key areas of focus for 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. He stressed that logistics plays a pivotal role in tracking and accountability, resource optimization, and ensuring operational readiness.
Drawing from global military practices, CDF highlighted the importance of logistics in modern warfare, citing examples such as Operation Shujaa in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), AMISOM-ATMIS and the ongoing African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). He noted that an army unable to adequately supply its troops will lose wars, regardless of training or equipment.
General Kainerugaba outlined three critical principles for effective logistics management: planning, implementation, and control. He emphasized the importance of forecasting needs, setting clear goals, and developing strategies to navigate unforeseen challenges. Quoting former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, he said, “Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”
On implementation, the CDF urged timely and efficient execution of plans to address the pressing needs of troops. He called for continuous training, education, and monitoring to ensure the logistics system remains dynamic and responsive.
Regarding control, General Kainerugaba 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.
As part of his visit, Gen Kainerugaba also laid a foundation stone for the construction of new accommodation facilities at the college.
