The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have concluded a three-day retreat aimed at aligning strategic priorities and shaping the defence budget for the 2025/26 financial year.
Held at the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Headquarters in Mbuya, the retreat brought together senior civilian and military leaders to review performance, strengthen coordination, and prepare for emerging security challenges ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth, who presided over the closing session, commended the Permanent Secretary and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for organising what he described as a vital exercise in reforming the Ministry’s budget processes.
“The Defence Strategic Investment Plan is designed to ensure the overall health of the Ministry, prioritise staff development, and address emerging threats, all while enhancing Uganda’s security,” Oboth said. He emphasized vigilance ahead of the 2026 elections and reaffirmed the Ministry’s duty to maintain peace and stability throughout the electoral process.
He further applauded President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, for his strategic direction and increased defence budget allocation. Oboth also praised Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his measurable leadership focus and called on all departments to uphold transparency and eliminate wasteful spending.
Permanent Secretary Rosette Byengoma presented a detailed review of the 2024/25 budget, citing progress in operational readiness, recruitment and training, regional military missions, improved logistics, and timely salary disbursement.
Gen Kainerugaba, who also serves as the Special Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, praised the collaborative spirit throughout the retreat. “Good performance by one element within MODVA and UPDF is good performance for all,” he said, calling for continued cooperation to deliver on agreed outcomes.
Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba urged leaders to remain focused on discipline, strategic planning, and execution as the elections approach. He reaffirmed UPDF’s readiness to maintain peace and engage constructively in regional operations.
Key participants at the retreat included Deputy CDF Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Air Force Commander Lt Gen Charles Okidi, Reserve Force Commander Lt Gen Charles Otema, Land Force Commander Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, NEC Executive Director Lt Gen James Mugira, and Undersecretary for Finance and Administration Edith Buturo.
The retreat laid the foundation for Uganda’s defence leadership to enhance national stability, build institutional resilience, and deliver value to citizens through an accountable and responsive defence sector.
