The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has commissioned the 16th branch of the Defence Forces Shop Uganda Limited (DFSUL) at Katabi Barracks to supply subsidised goods to military personnel and their families.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, presided over the official launch in Entebbe.
Lt. Gen. Okiding commended President and Commander-in-Chief Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for prioritising troop welfare initiatives that shield soldiers from high open-market prices.
He also praised the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for providing leadership that continues to modernise the armed forces.
The Deputy CDF instructed officers overseeing army projects to maintain rigorous supervision to prevent financial mismanagement and project decay.
“If you don’t supervise, then don’t blame, because we are good at shifting blame,” Lt. Gen. Okiding said.
He emphasised that a soldier's operational capability depends heavily on domestic stability, noting that accessible welfare, healthcare, and education services keep personnel mission-focused.
“When a soldier is fighting, he should not be disturbed,” he said. “Fighting lies in the heart not power. How much can I resist in terms of pressure comes from a settled mind.”
Commander of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi, described the establishment of the army shop as a critical safety net for military households.
He cautioned shop administrators against diverting institutional resources or exploiting the welfare scheme for private gain.
DFSUL General Manager Col. Deus Taremwa confirmed that the Katabi outlet serves all soldiers equally regardless of rank.
He noted that inventory is strictly demand-driven and sustained through direct commercial partnerships with leading national manufacturers.
Suppliers present at the opening included Uganda Clays Limited, Roofings Uganda Limited, Steel and Tube Industries, Kinyara Sugar Limited, Simba Cement, Hima Cement, and Plascon Paint.
Exhibited merchandise included building materials, barbed wire, cement, iron sheets, water tanks, paint, and essential domestic detergents.
The ceremony drew senior military commanders, including Commander Reserve Force Maj. Gen. Joseph Musoke Ssewanga, Deputy Commander Land Force Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, and Chief of Staff Land Force Maj. Gen. Chris Bagonza.
