Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba , has called for faster implementation of reforms within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), emphasizing the need for better planning, accountability and efficient use of resources. The call was made during the conclusion of the UPDF’s annual strategic retreat, a three-day meeting that brought together senior military commanders, officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and other stakeholders to review performance and set priorities for the upcoming financial year. Gen. Muhoozi said the UPDF had made pro

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has called for faster implementation of reforms within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), emphasizing the need for better planning, accountability and efficient use of resources.

The call was made during the conclusion of the UPDF’s annual strategic retreat, a three-day meeting that brought together senior military commanders, officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and other stakeholders to review performance and set priorities for the upcoming financial year.

Gen. Muhoozi said the UPDF had made progress during the 2025/26 financial year but needed to move faster in improving efficiency and delivering on its objectives.

“The overall picture is that we are steadily moving in the right direction, even though we must work a little bit faster,” he said.

The army chief urged commanders and officials to adopt SMART priorities — Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound — saying this approach would improve value for money, strengthen oversight and ensure that defence programmes achieve their intended goals.

“Priorities that are SMART provide value for money, improve our efficiency, and rigorously audit whatever we set out to do,” Gen. Muhoozi said.

The retreat reviewed key areas including military operations, procurement plans, budget priorities and strategies aimed at strengthening Uganda’s national security capabilities.

Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who presided over the closing session, received the strategic priorities developed during the meeting and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a modern and sustainable military.

The minister also called for greater public awareness of UPDF activities, noting that many achievements by the force remain unknown to citizens.

“So much is being done, but so little is known,” Kiwanuka said, encouraging the military to improve communication about its contributions to national security and development.

The meeting comes as UPDF continues its modernization programme, including improving soldiers’ welfare, expanding infrastructure, acquiring new equipment and strengthening operational readiness.

Among recent developments, the army commissioned a new Czech-built Let L-410 transport aircraft aimed at improving logistics, troop movement and medical evacuation capabilities.

The recommendations from the retreat will guide Uganda’s defence priorities and spending plans for the 2026/27 financial year as the UPDF seeks to improve efficiency and adapt to emerging security challenges.

A little more informed. A little more connected.