UPDF Spokesperson

NEWLY PASSED OUT MILITARY POLICE URGED TO MAINTAIN DISCIPLINE

The Deputy Commander Land Force (CLF) Maj Gen Sam Okiding implored newly passed out Military Police to remain disciplined for the stability of the country. He said discipline will help them practice the additional acquired skills and knowledge.

Maj Gen Okiding made the remarks while presiding over the passout of two hundred seventy nine (279) Military Police personnel who had successfully completed a Basic Military Police training course at the Masindi-based Military Police Training School on October 15, 2021.

However, the Deputy CLF cautioned the fresh Military Police graduates to preserve their health against HIV/AIDS which seems to have been silenced by the eminent effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

The Chief of Training and Recruitment (CTR) Brig Gen Matthew Gureme noted that the continuous training is in line with the UPDF policy of having a well trained, disciplined, modern and professional force.

Col Amon Kagina, the Commandant of the Military Police Training School in Masindi said that the course aimed at imparting knowledge and skills to ascertain combat readiness in offensive, defensive and operations other than war. " The newly trained graduates will assist the defence forces and civil authority in protecting and defending their gains," Col Kagina added.

The trainees covered both theory and practicals ranging from Public Order Management, Martial Arts, and VIP Protection, among others.

The pass out was also attended by the Commander Field Artillery Division Brig Gen Daniel Kakono, Commander Military Police Brig Gen Keith Katungi, and other UPDF Senior and Junior Officers.

UPDF CONCLUDES EAC ARMED FORCES CIVIL MILITARY COOPERATION WEEK IN KENYA

13 October 2021

The Chief of the UPDF Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Brig Gen Emmanuel Rwashande commended Kenyan Government for its unwavering support towards the successful completion of the 3rd Edition of the East Africa Community (EAC) Armed Forces Civil Military activities.
He noted that UPDF medical contribution towards the treatment of patients will further strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two nations. He added that the close cooperation of all EAC Partner States will trickle-down the benefits of the EAC integration process.

Brig Gen Rwashande, was speaking during the closure of the UPDF Medical Outreach based at Ewuaso Health Center in Kajiado County Nairobi Kenya, to mark the EAC Armed Forces Civil Military Activities.
He lauded the UPDF medical experts who participated in offering free dental and eye care, free HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing, and minor surgeries, among others, for a job well done. " Our discipline, cooperation and hardwork has seen our team treat hundreds of patients from with in Kajiado County and those from as far as Tanzania," the Gen noted. Gen Rwashande also commended locals for responding to the gains from the medical outreach.
Dr. Joshua Punya, the Ewuaso Health Center Administrator appreciated the UPDF for the wonderful service that had about 300 patients treated daily.

The EAC is a regional intergovernmental organization of six Partner States from the Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda with its headquarters in Arusha Tanzania. It aims at achieving prosperity, cooperation, security, stability, and political unification in its Partner States.

PENSIONS AND GRATUITY STAFF URGED TO SERVE MILITARY VETERANS WITH HONOR

Staff working at the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) Chieftaincy of Pensions and Gratuity (COPG) were cautioned to recognize the contribution of veterans to the success of the current liberation struggle.
This remark was made, on October 13th 2021, by the Chief Political Commissar Maj Gen Henry Masiko on behalf of the Joint Chief of Staff Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda.
"Handle military veterans issues with care because it's through their efforts of sacrifice and perseverance that we can now enjoy the current peace and stability through out the country," Maj Gen Masiko reminded COPG staff during the closure of their 10-day Political Orientation workshop at Postel Building in Kampala.
He urged them to work deligently and clear all the Pensions and Gratuity backlog so that veterans can have a smooth transition and resettlement into civilian life.
However, the CPC implored veterans to maintain discipline for the continuity of peace and stability.

The Chief of Pensions and Gratuity (COPG) Brig Gen Kefa Nangeso commended the UPDF leadership for continously supporting veterans. He promised to have a stellar performance whenever handling veterans' affairs, noting that clearing all Pensions and Gratuity for all Veterans is widely embraced by all staff.

The Guest Speaker and Veteran Journalist Tony Geoffrey Owana, speaking at the same function, emphasized the need for the preservation of history in relation to current trends so that the COPG can achieve its timely goals and objectives.

Maj Gen Masiko was flanked by Deputy Chief of Military Intelligence Brig Gen Charles Asiimwe, Director Political Education at Land Force headquarter Col Anatoli Nuwagira and staff from COPG.

3 DIVISION COURT MARTIAL SENTENCES 08 CRIMINALS

The Joint Security Operation, code named "Usalama Kwa Wote" in Karamoja Sub-region, aiming at recovering illegal guns from the civilian population, recently arrested eight (08) criminals.
The 08 criminals were this morning arraigned before the 3 Infantry Division Court Martial sitting in Moroto and have promptly been charged for illegal possession of fi****ms.
The Chair person of the Court Martial Col Frank Kateraho pronounced charges as follows:

01 was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment.
02 received 9 years while 05 received a penalty of 10 years imprisonment each. The accused are to be reprimanded at Soroti Government Prison.

Col Kateraho was assited by Maj Dan Isale, Maj Solomon Olinga, Capt David Watwaka and WO1 Molik Siraji as he pronounced judgement.

The On-going disarmament exercise, "Usalama Kwa Wote", meaning "Peace For All" since its inception in July 2021, has so far recovered over 91 guns, 929 Rounds of Ammunition, 188 criminals have been arrested and a good number of cattle recovered.

CATTLE RAIDS AND INSECURITY WILL END - LT GEN ELWELU

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Hon Lt Gen Peter Elwelu has assured the people of Karamoja sub region that the government will endeavor to restore peace in the area and called upon the political leaders to join hands with the locals so that the problems of cattle raids and insecurity are solved.

Lt Gen Elwelu was speaking to political leaders and government workers from the districts of Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk, Amudat, at Nakapiripirit district headquarters.

Gen Peter Elwelu further called upon Karamoja church leaders to support efforts by the security forces in the disarmament exercise,urging them to play a leading role in changing the mindset of those who support the armed criminals. He appealed to them to involve themselves in operation wealth creation activities happening across the region.

The 3 Division commander, Brig Gen Joseph Balikuddembe called on the community leaders to continue working together towards a peaceful Karamoja. He said that UPDF together with police will hunt for businessmen who are bringing and selling waragi in Karamoja because alcohol has been a lead cause of many criminal activities in the region.

The LC5s of Nakapiripirit and Amudat together with the RDC of Nabilatuk called for concerted efforts in improving communication among the political leadership in Karamoja.

The function was attended by Government officials, Senior Officers of UPDF and Police from the three districts.

EAC GROWTH DEPENDS ON PEOPLE NOT GUNS

9 October 2021

The ambassador of Uganda to Kenya H.E Dr. Hassan Galiwango called upon people in East Africa Community Partner States to cooperate for the growth and sustainance of the East African Community (EAC).
Amb. Galiwango made the remarks at Ewuaso Health Center while addressing the UPDF team, which is in Nairobi-Kenya to participate in the EAC Armed Civil Military activities. "EAC strength is largely dependent on the population and not weaponry," said Amb Galiwango. He explained the importance of having an ideologically upright relationship between the army and people. Amb Galiwango further said that civil activities will make a mark on the local population as they celebrate the Kenya Defence Forces day, commonly known as " Madaraka Day". Speaking at the same function, the Member of Parliament for Bulisa County and chairperson of the foreign affairs committee Hon Bigirwa Nyendwoha Norah urged EAC Armed Forces to ensure stability so as to reap from the fruits of integration.
The leader of the UPDF team and UPDF Civil Military Cooperation Brig Gen Emmanuel Rwashande noted that the purpose of Uganda's participation is to show EAC Forces embrace all processes towards integration. He added that the collective participation by all EAC Armed Forces in handling minor medical outreaches and other construction works will strengthen the relationship between the army and people. This year's 3rd Edition of the EAC Armed Forces Civil Military activities hosted in Kenya, has representatives drawn from the EAC member states. The first and second Edition of the EAC Armed Forces Civil Military activities were held in Uganda and Rwanda, respectively.

MINDSET CHANGE WILL DRIVE WSACCO

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (WSACCO), Col Joseph Freddy Onata challenged Principal Staff Officers (PSO’S)and Branch Managers of WSACCO to reset both their souls and minds if they are to drive further the vision and mission for WSACCO.
The CEO made these remarks, on 8th October 2021, while addressing a joint meeting for Managers of the 19 branches of WSACCO across the country and Principal Staff Officers(PSOS) drawn from the 4 UPDF Services, Infantry divisions and Specialised Formations at Wazalendo SACCO headquaters in Kiwatule-Kampala.
The meeting, according to Col Onata was for the managers and PSOs to know each other, identify loopholes and barriers to quality service delivery, consolidate the roles of different organs of WSACCO, develop linkages, and forge a way forward that can further be followed to achieve the objectives of the SACCO.
The CEO further appreciated the great job done by the PSOs and Political Commissariate in preaching the gospel of savings. "Coordination will enable us to achieve as a team’’ Col Onata noted.
The Acting Director Finance and Administration WSACCO Col Wesley Aine appreciated staff for the hard work amidst the global Covid 19 pandemic. He encouraged them to serve deligently if they are to retain the positive brand of WSACCO. ‘’ I call upon you to do more in terms of service delivery for the betterment of our members. We need to develop better communication skills in order to avail accurate and reliable information about WSACCO to members,’’ said Col Aine.
He added that Wazalendo has the best services and products which both members and potential members must know.
The Director Operations at WSACCO Mr.William Atalyeba highlighted the achievements WSACCO has registered in its16 years of existence, which include Branch network development of more savings and credit products, and extension of other services to members, among others. WSACCO currently has 19 branches and 05 Liaison offices across the country. 03 branches in Bombo, Jinja and Mubende are cash operational branches.
‘’We proudly speak of better service delivery evidenced by the growth in our disbursements, since 2007 when borrowing started to date. We have disbursed Ugx 1.557 Trillion average lending to our members, mobile banking service is to be launched before the end of this month, and 02 more cash branches will soon be opened in Kampala and Entebbe before the end of December 2021," he said. He noted that a Business Savings Account intended for members who would wish to save from other sources of income outside salary has been introduced.
Mr. Atalyeba further informed members that WSACCO has done a good job in giving credit to members and should now focus on the impact caused by loans on members welfare.
The WSACCO Currently has membership of 85,602
Share capital of 218bn
Savings 208.3bn
Assets 606.2bn
Loan portifolio 468.8bn
Cumulative disbursements 1.557Trn
On behalf of the PSOs, Col Ibrahim Keddi applauded the management of WSACCO for the great work done towards improving the welfare of members, their mobilization, and other forms of support that have enabled the growth of the SACCO.
The meeting was also attended by UPDF Senior and Junior Officers.

DEPUTY CDF MEETS LEADERS OF KARAMOJA SUB-REGION

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Peter Elwelu has urged leaders in Karamoja Sub-region to work together with government to pacify the region. Lt Gen Elwelu noted that the region has plenty of resources that can be profitably exploited for the benefit of all Ugandans. He added that with the restoration of peace in Karamoja, the region will reap from the enormous government programs aimed at lifting people from poverty.
He cautioned residents to denounce cattle theft, witch craft and alcohol, for economic emancipation. Brig Gen Joseph Balikudembe, the Commander of the UPDF 3 Infantry Division, noted that the region is peaceful except for the escalating cattle thefts that have made the region underdeveloped. He called upon local authorities to embrace government programs in the area, most especially those aimed at securing the region. The RDC of Moroto Shilak James called upon residents to desist from the irritating cattle theft that has derailed the development of the region. While the RDC of Napak Uigai Moses urged all stakeholders involved in the disarmament process to mobilize residents so that they can handover all illegal guns. He noted that illegal guns in the hands of the civilian population in the region have made the region backward. The meeting was attended by representatives from Government, army and police.

TO TRANSFORM A SOCIETY, WEALTH CREATION IS KEY - PRESIDENT MUSEVENI

9 October 2021

The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces has called upon Ugandans to embrace wealth creation as well as the principles and strategies that support it.

He also implored Ugandans to avoid dependency, idleness and parasitism.

The President further highlighted Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic transformation and Democracy as crucial principles for the survival and prosperity of Uganda.

HE the President was speaking at Uganda's 59th Independence Day anniversary held at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala under the theme: “Celebrating our 59th Independence Day as we secure our future through National mindset Change.”

The President said that Uganda has in the past two years demonstrated that she can stand on her feet and overcome any challenge.

Uganda successfully dealt with the locust invasion, rising water levels of lakes, landslides and the Covid-19 pandemic where deaths have greatly been minimized.

President Museveni further said that in both financial years, economic growth has been registered despite some economic areas being shut.

"I congratulate Operation Wealth Creation for in the last eight years helping us reduce subsistence actors from 68% households to 39% as per the latest UBOS survey." said the President.

President Museveni equally called upon Ugandans to fully support the Parish Development Model and utilize Emyooga program to convert subsistence farmers into the money economy.

The President in the same spirit said that Africa has suffered enough and we shouldn't repeat old mistakes emphasizing that the Future is Bright if We Act Right.