📷 CDF Kainerugaba launches defence headquarters construction
He noted that the new headquarters will enhance decision-making, foster improved coordination between the joint staff and services, and ultimately bolster national security.
The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba appending his signature on the artistic impression before the ground-breaking for construction of the State-of-the-Art Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces joint headquarters in Mbuya on Monday 26th August 2024. Photos by Mpalanyi Ssentongo
NewVision Reporter
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Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has officiated the breaking of the ground ceremony for the constructing the state-of-the-art joint headquarters of the defence ministry (MoDVA) and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in Mbuya, Kampala.
The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba (second left) officiating at the ground-breaking ceremony for construction of the State-of-the-Art Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces joint headquartes in Mbuya on Monday, August 26, 2024. Left is Edith Butuuro, Under Secretary Ministry of Defence. 
“It is of strategic importance that the MoDVA headquarters are accommodated in a modern and comfortable setting. This directly contributes to the operation efficiency, co-ordination and capabilities of the UPDF. Our new headquarters will incorporate the latest technology and infrastructure to support a modern defence strategy,” Kainerugaba said on Monday, August 26, 2024.
He expressed confidence in the UPDF leadership's dedication to excellence in defence and security, noting that the new state-of-the-art headquarters will embody the nation's strength and resilience.
The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba ( left) on a guided tour of the site during the ground-breaking ceremony for construction of the State-of-the-Art Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces joint headquarters in Mbuya on Monday, August 26, 2024. 
Kainerugaba, also the senior presidential advisor for special operations, expressed gratitude to the Government, specifically the President and Commander-in-Chief Gen. Yoweri Museveni, for their support in bringing the project to fruition.
The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba (right) getting a close look at the artistic impression during a guided tour of the site before the ground-breaking for construction of the State-of-the-Art Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces joint headquarterss in Mbuya on Monday, August 26, 2024. 
He noted that the new headquarters will enhance decision-making, foster improved coordination between the joint staff and services, and ultimately bolster national security.
He expressed gratitude to the UPDF for undertaking the construction of a decent and honourable joint headquarters, which he said will be worthy of the name of the UPDF.
The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba (left) interacting with UPDF spokesperson Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye after the ground-breaking ceremony for construction of the State-of-the-Art Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces joint headquarters in Mbuya on Monday, August 26, 2024. 
He expressed hope that the construction will be executed in two years as opposed to the estimated three years.
Chief of Joint Staff Maj. Gen. Jack Bakasumba said the project to be undertaken by the UPDF engineers is a significant step in the commitment to the professionalisation of the UPDF guided by the President and spearheaded by the Chief of Defence Forces.
The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba addressing the gathering during the ground-breaking ceremony for construction of the State-of-the-Art Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces joint headquarters in Mbuya on Monday, August 26, 2024. 
“For long, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF has not had decent headquarters and now the reality of having one is unfolding before us,” Bakasumba said.
He appreciated the CDF for his leadership, strategic guidance and unwavering support in ensuring that the construction takes shape and is executed: “It is a fulfillment of your strategic priorities, that is infrastructure development in the UPDF and the ministry”.
The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba (centre) interacting with UPDF spokesperson Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye after the ground-breaking ceremony for construction of the State-of-the-Art Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces joint headquarters in Mbuya on Monday, August 26, 2024. 
Edith Butuuro, the Ministry's under-secretary of finance and administration, announced that the estimated cost of the multi-billion project stands at shillings 94 billion, with an initial allocation of shillings 20 billion.
She lauded Kainerugaba's leadership in driving the project forward, recognising his efforts to secure resources and prioritise the construction of the headquarters.
Butuuro committed to supporting the mobilisation of additional funds to ensure the project's timely completion.
The function was attended by deputy CDFLt Gen Sam Okiding, Commander Air Force Lt Gen Charles Okiding, Commander Special Forces Command Maj. Gen. BD Mugisha, Service Chiefs of Staff, Members of the Joint Staff, Generals, senior officers and defence ministry officials.