The UPDF Army leadership has today, 9th February 2018 participated in the 3rd annual Liberation symposium on Civil-Military relations at Imperial Royale Hotel Kampala.
The function, under the theme ” Climate Change , Food Security and National Stability in East Africa” was organized by Advocated Coalitions for Development and Environment (ACODE).
The Chief Guest, Hon.Christopher Kyibanzanga,the State Minister for Agriculture lamented about the the difficulty the globe is facing. “We are faced with the challenge of climate change, therefore the world will face the 3rd world war on how to share the dwindling resources” he said.
Hon.Kyibanzanga added that the world conflict of how to share and access water will put man kind to an end.
The Presidential Advisor on National Security and the Chief coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation,Gen Caleb Akandwanaho said that maize and beans are secure as far as food security is concerned. In his elaborate presentation, Gen.Akandwanaho cited the challenge of Ugandans not earning from the surplus of their grains among others.
He advocated for the enforcement of East Africa standard mobilization and stimulization of railway and water transport within the region inorder for the farmers to benefit.
Gen Akandwanaho then launched the book “Public Expenditure Governance in Uganda’s Agricultural Extension Systems”.
The Chief of Defence Forces Gen.David Muhoozi expressed the desire for the UPDF to defend uganda in various aspects besides military roles. Gen Muhoozi explained the UPDF intervention, citing the role and obligation of UPDF mandate in coordination with government agencies aimed at combating climate change.
In his presentation, Gen Muhoozi mentioned that negative climate change is caused by environmental degradation which is mainly caused by man’s common adverse activities.
Gen.Muhoozi said that UPDF is also leading in improvement of household wealth through Operation Wealth Creation.
The CDF indicated that climate change obligation will be enshrined in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the UPDF.
The Executive Director ACODE Dr.Arthur Bainomugisha applauded the UPDF for accepting to work with civil society on issues of food security and climate change.
Dr Bainomugisha said that Uganda is an Agro based economy therefore its important today to adopt to change in food security.
Dr.Bainomugisha appreciated the security forces especially the UPDF’s engagement in food security in another kind.
He specifically commended Gen.Muhoozi for accepting to work and engage together with ACODE in partnership to understand security threats.
Also in attendance was the Joint Chief of Staff Maj Gen Joseph Musanyufu, the Deputy Commander Land Forces, Maj Gen Sam Kavuma, Deputy Commander Air force,Maj Gen Gavas Mugyenyi among others.
