The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has opened its second annual senior logistics leaders retreat to improve supply efficiency and eliminate resource mismanagement across all military formations.
Brig Gen Michael Kabango, the Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College Kimaka, officially opened the three-day convention on Monday at the College of Logistics and Engineering (COLE) in Maga Maga, Mayuge District. He launched the event on behalf of the Chief Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba. Running from May 17 to May 20, the 2026 retreat operates under the theme of enhancing efficient logistics management and maintenance systems within the military.
Brig Gen Kabango reminded the attendees that modern defense capabilities rely entirely on an uncompromised supply network. He urged the officers to guard the procurement and budgeting systems against systemic waste. The Commandant emphasized that professional integrity must guide all logistics personnel to sustain internal and external defense deployments.
“Efficiency of armed forces isn’t only measured by personalities but also the continuous availability of resources or logistics,” Brig Gen Kabango stated.
The Joint Staff Logistics, Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba, challenged the participants to use the platform to diagnose existing supply gaps honestly. He noted that the success of previous UPDF operations in Liberia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo depended heavily on logistics. He warned against corruption and called for stricter transport and fleet management auditing to secure future missions.
“Logistics is the backbone for any military success,” Brig Gen Karugaba noted. “And most wars are lost because of supply gaps.”
The Commandant of COLE, Col Chris Kyanku, welcomed the delegates and emphasized that contemporary military sustainability courses are vital for preparing deployment officers. He highlighted procurement, warehousing, catering, and petroleum management as the critical components under review. The retreat has attracted senior service directors, specialized unit logistics officers, and civilian defense managers.
