#MANIFESTOWEEK2020; HOW PROFESSIONALISATION OF UPDF IMPROVED THE DEFENCE SECTOR

BY NATHAN NGOBI

Commencing the Plan period for FY 2016-2021, H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda and Commander in Chief of the UPDF, issued Manifesto Commitments to guide the Defence and Security Sector.

 Highlighting the sector’s achievements president Museveni in 2016 strategically guided on the continued efforts of Professionalization and Modernisation of Defence and Security Forces in Uganda.

Mr. Museveni noted  in his NRM Manifesto that by  developing Defence and Security Infrastructure  would strengthen  Research,  Development and Promote Production  through  Wealth Creation and Self-sustainability thereby enhancing capacity to build  Internal and External Security.

The fountain of honour  issued a number of directives following  series of meetings with MDAs. to the Defence and Security Sector, he  gave further instructions  in line with the Manifesto Commitments made earlier.

While in one of the meetings with the ministry of Defence  the NRM  National chairman who doubles as  the chief of Defence forces  pointed out  specific output priorities in line with the Manifesto Commitments, like relocation of Air force elements to Nakasongola, adequate Provision for Classified Expenditure, Funding Redevelopment of Luwero Industries.

There were also the issues of  Budget Provision for Adequate Feeding for the Army, Purchase of Uniforms and Boots from Local Manufacturers.

However UPDF army spokesperson Brig. Richard Kalemere  asserted that there has been  reduction  expenditure on Usage of Air Force Fuel, with Installation of Solar Power in Barracks to curb  the Current Electricity Bill, also drilling Boreholes in barracks to  help fight reduce Current Water Bill.

 He noted that Development of the National Military Referral Hospital was among the issues captured by the 2016 NRM manifesto and pursuing  the Pre-financing option for Construction of the 30,000 Houses for UPDF.

 He said that president Museveni came up with a Proposal on Salary Enhancement for Scientists in the Army.

Gradually and Affordably Increase the Salaries of Soldiers until they come in-line with salaries of Primary School Teachers.

  Brig. Kalemire added that  the idea to organize Veterans to benefit from Operation Wealth Creation and to engage in Income Generating Activities as Government considers Payment of the UGX 536bn Pension and Gratuity Arrears has been achieved so far by the NRM regime manifesto.

 Other Sources from the army told Second Opinion Magazine and Online that funding the Uganda Air cargo to enable them Repair the Grounded Aircraft was an objective indicated in the 2016 NRM manifesto, there is also increase  in the Income Generating activities for Soldiers’ Spouses to include Weaving, Soap-making and Making Clothes using Handlooms.

Looking at the East Major Peter Mugisha the 3^rd Division spokesperson said that the NRM manifesto has achieved a lot in disarming the Karamojong warriors whom he termed as thieves after recover a huge amount of guns and live bullets which according to him created some sanity in the far East region where now locals can move freely .

He said that one of the  Ten Point program of the NRM was Security for Wanainchi and  property for that matter in Karamoja area the disarmament has changed the mindset of the thieves who believed in stealing cattle and now there is Development in Moroto , Kabongo and other places in  Karamoja.

He said that the challenges  now is still on issues  infrastructure mainly on the road network connecting the border area where security find it hard to trace for the wrong elements who take refuges to neighboring Kenya.

He however revealed that the NRM manifesto has put in place regional good relationship with neighbor countries who exchange stolen cattle and weapons after recovery.

Meantime Deo Akiki the Deputy army spokesperson intimated to us that the organizations (UPDF) have managed to detect, prevent and curtail a number of negative activities to ensure internal and external security in regard to the Country’s strategic interests.

In an effort to enhance operational synergy, Joint Operation Centres have been constructed and developed, and Joint Operations to enhance coordination and optimal use of the resources conducted.

 Akiki  said that externally, Joint Operational efforts exist at JIFC and East African Standby Force (EASF) in order to address the security challenges at regional level.

Intelligence Agencies have been able to build capabilities and capacities through acquisition of technical equipment and training, hence increasing their operational visibility across the domains of security, nationally and regionally.

With increased technical capacity and training, the sector has been able to check infiltration, manage refugees, and minimize general crime and terror threats, nationally and regionally

He added that as a professional army the UPDF have managed to come back to the wanainci (locals) to address and responds to emergencies like in the fight against the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic , Ebola, disaster managements among others including community activities like cleaning of towns and cities  in a bid to socialize with the public they serve.