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CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba signing an artistic impression of the new MoDVA headquarters at the groundbreaking ceremony
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The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, yesterday presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the state-of-the-art joint headquarters for the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA) and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in Mbuya.
"It is of strategic importance that the MoDVA headquarters are housed in a modern and comfortable setting. This directly contributes to the operational efficiency, coordination, and capabilities of the UPDF. Our new headquarters will incorporate the latest technology and infrastructure to support a modern defense strategy," said Gen. Kainerugaba. He expressed confidence in the UPDF leadership’s dedication to excellence in defense and security, noting that the new headquarters will symbolize the nation’s strength and resilience.
Gen. Muhoozi, together with Undersecretary of MoDVA, Mrs. Edith Butuuro, laying a brick at the construction site of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Headquarters on August 26, 2024, in Mbuya
Gen. Kainerugaba, who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, expressed gratitude to the Ugandan government, particularly President and Commander-in-Chief Yoweri Museveni, for their support in bringing the project to fruition. He highlighted that the new headquarters will enhance decision-making, foster improved coordination between the Joint Staff and Services, and ultimately bolster national security. He also commended the UPDF for undertaking the construction of a "decent and honorable" joint headquarters for MoDVA/UPDF, worthy of the name UPDF. He expressed hope that the construction would be completed in two years, ahead of the estimated three-year timeline.
CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba in a group photo with Generals, Senior Officers, and MoDVA Officials at the groundbreaking of the artistic building
Maj. Gen. Jack Bakasumba, the Chief of Joint Staff, emphasized the significance of the project, which is being carried out by the UPDF Engineers, as a major step in the ongoing professionalization of the UPDF, guided by President Museveni and spearheaded by Gen. Kainerugaba. "For a long time, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF has not had decent headquarters, and now the reality of having one is unfolding before us," said Maj. Gen. Bakasumba.
He also thanked Gen. Kainerugaba for his leadership, strategic guidance, and unwavering support in ensuring the project's progress. "This is a fulfillment of your strategic priorities, particularly infrastructure development in the UPDF and the Ministry."
Gen. Kainerugaba giving remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters
Mrs. Edith Butuuro, the Ministry’s Undersecretary of Finance and Administration, announced that the estimated cost of the multi-billion project stands at Shs94 billion, with an initial allocation of Shs20 billion. She commended Gen. Kainerugaba’s leadership in driving the project forward, recognizing his efforts to secure resources and prioritize the construction of the headquarters. Mrs. Butuuro pledged to support the mobilization of additional funds to ensure the project’s timely completion.
The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding; Commander UPDF Air Force Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi; Commander Special Forces Command Maj. Gen. BD Mugisha; Service Chiefs of Staff; members of the Joint Staff; generals; senior officers; and Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs officials.
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