Gen Muhoozi vows to end mismanagement of resources in UPDF

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has vowed to fight corruption and mismanagement of resources in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

Gen. Muhoozi took over as CDF from Gen Wilson Mbadi on Thursday during a handover ceremony held at the Fourth Infantry Division Headquarters in Gulu City.

The ceremony in which the media was locked out was presided over by Gen. Caleb Akandwanabo, the Special Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security, also Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).

In a press statement released by the army, Gen. Muhoozi in his maiden address as CDF noted that by fighting corruption in the army, they will be able to acquire the best military equipment and offer good uniforms, education and accommodation to their soldiers.

“We will continue with our role in securing the non-military aspects of security like environmental, cyber, and political security,” Gen Muhoozi, a First Son, is quoted to have said.

Gen Muhoozi,  thanked the President and Commander in Chief of the UPDF Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his stewardship that has grown UPDF to what it is today.

“UPDF continues to be the principal pillar of the Ugandan state that all Ugandans respect. UPDF is the central institution of Uganda’s nationhood because entry into it is open to all Ugandans.” He said.

Adding “Ugandans can disagree on anything but respect and support UPDF works”

Gen. Muhoozi however promised that the UPDF under his command would continue being professional, and moral to tackle comprehensive national security.

He lauded the outgoing CDF for a job well done in building a modern professional force and implored soldiers to avoid being self-centred.

Gen Mbadi was dropped by President Museveni in the recent reshuffle and appointed as Minister of State for Trade, Industries and Cooperatives.

In his remarks, the outgoing CDF congratulated Gen Muhoozi on his new appointment as CDF and thanked President Museveni for allowing him to head the country’s highest military office for the past 33 months.

“I congratulate you for catching the eye of the appointing authority, ” said Gen Mbadi.

Adding “It has been an exciting 33 months serving at the helm of the Peoples’ Force and it gives me a strong sense of pride,” He said.

Gen Mbadi however decried the inadequate defence budget, stating that out of the required budget, they continue to get only 47%, which poses threats in tackling extremist organizations (terrorists), cross-border tensions, cybercrimes and livestock theft, among others.

Gen. Caleb Akandwanabo advised both Gen. Muhoozi and Gen Mbadi to continue preserving their health. He also urged them to cautiously uphold the first pillar of “Musevenomics”, (President Museveni’s economic ideas) that stands on the security of life and property for social economic transformation.

Gen Muhoozi, who has arguably enjoyed a fast rise in the country’s military ranks now becomes the 13th CDF and follows the footsteps of Gen Mbadi, Gen David Rubakuba Muhoozi, and Gen Edward Katumba Wamala. Other former CDFs include Late Gen Aronda Nyakairima, Late Maj Gen James Kazini, Gen Abubaker Jeje Odongo, Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu, Gen Caleb Akandwanabo, and Late Gen Elly Tumwine among others.

Until his recent appointment, Gen Muhoozi served his father President Yoweri Museveni as a Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations and the chairman of the “MK” Movement that has rebranded to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).

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