Published on 28/07/2024
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) urged leaders to prioritize addressing the pressing issues facing Ugandans. He emphasized that effective leadership is crucial for the nation’s progress.
“All these strategic leaders, including Jesus, emphasised prioritisation. That is the core element that we need to solve a problem,” he said.
The President made the remarks on Saturday 27th July 2024 while commissioning the newly constructed Special Forces Command (SFC) Operations Command Control and Coordination Centre at the SFC headquarters in Entebbe.
President Museveni saluted the UPDF leadership for professionalising and improving the standards of the army through various initiatives.
He also pledged to continue improving the welfare of soldiers as well as their families through offering free education, healthcare as well as free accommodation.
Furthermore, Gen. Museveni reiterated the need to empower the spouses of soldiers by setting up various economic ventures such as poultry farming on the available barracks land. This, he said, will help them to supplement their incomes.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth informed the President that the new facility is more than a structure, describing it as a cornerstone of the army’s strategic capabilities and a statement of their commitment to security, coordination and excellence.
“This facility symbolises our readiness to face the modern defence challenges and our determination to adopt the ever-evolving landscape,” he pointed out.
The Minister also extended his deepest gratitude to President Museveni for his strategic leadership and guidance in enabling the SFC and the entire military to execute various projects.
The commander-Land Forces, Lt Gen. Kayanja Muhanga who represented the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, thanked the President for his continued efforts in professionalising UPDF from a small army of 27 armed men to a large force.
“Thank you for your continued efforts of professionalising UPDF. It has been a journey for us who have been around for some time. We are serious witnesses in this journey; from how we started eating posho and cassava to a force now that is admirable by our neighbours,” he said.
He also thanked the army leadership for implementing the President’s vision of transforming UPDF into the formidable force it is today and accomplishing projects using limited resources.
The SFC Commander, Maj. Gen. David Mugisha thanked the President for sparing his time to grace the occasion. He said that his presence is a testament of his commitment and unwavering resolve to support the efforts towards ensuring the general security of Uganda.
He said that the Hi-Tech equipment in the command centre shall focus on realising point number 2 of the NRM Ten point program which focuses on the security of Uganda.
He said the command centre will go a long way in solving complex security challenges such as cyber security threats, terrorism as well as rapid technological advancements that continue to take centre stage.
The design and construction of the facility was fully undertaken by the SFC civil engineers’ regiment. It has planning offices, CCTV camera monitoring and is equipped with a geo-mapping room and gym, among other services.
The structure was named after Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho alias Salim Saleh in recognition of his exceptional leadership, patriotism, and Pan-Africanism spirit that invokes the spirit of the revolutionary journey.
Gen. Saleh actively participated in most deadly yet fundamental battles such as the attack on Kabamba, the battle of Kembogo, Bukalabi and the capture of Simba hills, Mubende and Masindi, among others.
The function was attended by senior UPDF officers, political leaders, among others.
