President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), presided over the Defence Forces Council at State House, Entebbe, last Friday. The primary focus of the meeting was the launch of the UPDF Establishment 2021, during which the President signed the executive order and received four copies of the UPDF Establishment book. Alongside high-ranking military officials, President Museveni addressed strategic decisions aimed at bolstering national security and improving the effectiveness of the UPDF.
Preceded by a High Command session on Friday, February 16th, 2024, the event marked the unveiling of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) Establishment 2021, signifying a milestone in the modernization and optimization of Uganda’s defense architecture.
In his address, President Museveni drew parallels between the role of the UPDF Establishment 2021 and that of medical professionals, underlining the significance of preserving and safeguarding the nation’s well-being. Drawing an analogy, he stressed that just as a doctor’s duty is to maintain the health of their patients and provide treatment when necessary, the primary goal of the UPDF is to ensure peace and security in Uganda.
“This UPDF Establishment is like public health and medical treatment. In the case of sickness, public health is done by observing elements of nutrition, vaccination, clean water, and all these are done for someone to avoid sickness. But in case he or she gets sick, there are also curative measures,” he stated.
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 doctrine of Defense and the establishment are the structures of how you are going to preserve peace and security in Uganda. And if there is a need for treatment, then what and who is to do what,” he explained.
Highlighting the visionary approach of the launched UPDF Establishment, the President emphasized the influence of science in shaping the diagnosis and prescription for a cure. He drew historical parallels, stating, “If we were to go back to 1800AD, the establishment which we are talking about here is similar to the armies of that time, mainly the European armies.”
What is UPDF Establishment 2021?
Deputy spokesperson of UPDF, Col Deo Akiki, explained to the media that the UPDF Establishment 2021 document facilitates changes, merging some UPDF departments, creating new ones, and discarding others to enhance command, control, and administration of the forces.
Gen Wilson Mbadi, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), was given the legal mandate to ensure the implementation of these changes. High-ranking military officials, who requested anonymity to speak freely, further described the document as a Human Resource Manual, streamlining the administration and structure of the army.
The document addresses uncertainties regarding entitlements based on rank, such as the number of guards, cars, logistical support, and benefits for soldiers. Anomalies, such as a low-ranking soldier having a larger convoy than a General, and a lower-ranking officer in command of a brigade while a higher-ranking Brigadier commands a 3rd division, are set to be rectified.
The UPDF, viewed as the most professional entity of the government, has faced challenges where junior soldiers wield more powers than their seniors without clear explanations. The document, prepared over seven years, aims to establish guidelines for military operations, from recruitment and promotion to retirement.
Gen Mbadi, having received the powers from the Commander in Chief, President Museveni, will oversee the implementation of these reforms.