The defence and security Forces successfully managed to ensure that Uganda remained peaceful and stable over the past year, providing a base for the socio-economic transformation of the country.
Maintaining peace and stability was one of the key promises in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto that is running from 2016-2021.
Key among the bastions of success in the Defence sector was continuing with the professionalization and modernisation of the Defence and Security Forces which included acquisition and maintenance of equipment.
The Ministry of Defence also ensured that defence and security infrastructural systems were developed.
Under the construction of defence and security infrastructural systems, the Ministry put particular focus on the construction of a National Military Referral Hospital in a phased manner, this will go a long way in maintaining the health of officers and militants.
The Ministry also ensures that provision of safe office and housing accommodation was provided for its militants and officers, setting the foundation for level-headed working and sleeping environments.
Another key component under the development of defence and infrastructural systems was the moving of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Air Force from Entebbe to Nakasongola, in line with directives of the Commander-In-Chief (CiC).
In order to ensure that the security forces remain in sync with the latest technologies, the Ministry concentrated on strengthening research and development, setting the pace for Forces that can ably respond to changing security threats in the technology sector.
The sector has consistently acquired, refurbished and maintained equipment in the bid to equip the Force with efficient, effective and technologically advanced capabilities to professionalise and equip the Forces.
To set a base for security Forces that can decently maintain their families, the Ministry also put in efforts in promoting production for wealth creation and self-sustainability, avoiding scenarios where Forces would not be economically self-sustaining.
Under the component of promoting production for wealth creation and self-sustainability, the Ministry put in efforts to ensure that Luweero industries are given funds to buy the equipment needed to enable production of some of the supplies of UPDF.
The Ministry also ensure that Uganda’s internal and external security was strengthened.
To beef up the maintenance of security in Uganda’s urban areas, the Ministry recruited over 26,000 Local Defence Units (LDUs) to complement the regular Force in sustaining peace and stability across the country.
LDUs have been very efficient in helping the security agencies to stamp out criminal agents in the city and its environs, making it safe for Ugandans to engage in meaningful economic activities without having to watch over their backs.
In the health sector, the Ministry has committed to provide preventive, curative and rehabilitative services to officers and militants, their immediate families and surrounding community in all its medical facilities.
The Ministry of Health is on record praising the efficient and professional work of medical personnel from the Ministry of Defence.
The Ministry of Defence has also supported the Ministry of Health in containing any form of epidemic outbreaks, this was very particular in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some of the unfulfilled commitments in the Defence sector included the introduction of a National Service Scheme, establishment of a National Defence College, establishment of the Institute of Security Studies.
For the Police Force, the construction and rehabilitation of Barracks infrastructure and the establishment of a Police Academy were key among the successes of the Police Force.
The Police Force also managed to maintain Law and Order.
