President Yoweri Museveni, also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has presided over the Defence Forces Council at State House, Entebbe.
Top on the agenda was the launching of the UPDF Establishment 2021, where the president signed the executive order and received four copies of the UPDF Establishment book.
Alongside top military officials, the president underscored strategic decisions aimed at boosting national security and enhancing the effectiveness of the UPDF.
The meeting, preceded by a High Command session which took place on Friday, February 16th, 2024, saw the unveiling of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) Establishment 2021, marking a milestone in the modernization and optimization of Uganda’s defense architecture.
In his address, President Museveni compared the role of the UPDF Establishment 2021 to that of medical professionals, highlighting the importance of preserving and safeguarding the nation’s well-being.
He emphasized that just as a doctor’s duty is to maintain the health of their patients and provide treatment, when necessary, the UPDF’s primary objective is to ensure peace and security in Uganda.
President Museveni outlined that the doctrine of defense and the establishment’s structures emphasize effective planning and execution necessary to uphold peace and security across the country.
The President noted that the launched UPDF Establishment is a visionary approach to safeguarding peace and security in Uganda.
During the Council meeting, the president presented a plaque and certificate to the family of the Late Lt. Gen. (Rtd). Pecos Kutesa for the distinguished service rendered as the 1st Chairman of the UPDF establishment committee.
The Commander-in-Chief paid tribute to the late Lt. Gen. (Rtd). Pecos Kutesa, a revered military figure renowned for his bravery and contributions to Uganda’s liberation struggle.
Gen. Pecos Kutesa joined the armed struggle under the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) to fight the regime of the late President Idi Amin Dada until the regime was overthrown in 1979.
He retired from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces on August 5, 2021, after a distinguished military career extending over forty-six (46) years and passed away on August 17, 2021.
While giving his remarks, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, lauded the exhaustive seven-year process culminating in the formulation of the UPDF Establishment 2021.
Stressing its consultative nature, the CDF, highlighted the document’s emphasis on jointness at the strategic level and operational leanness, aligning with principles of decentralization.
