The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has reminded newly promoted Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Generals and senior officers that advancement in rank comes with heavier responsibility and higher expectations and advised them to rise to the demands of leadership with integrity and wisdom.

Speaking during a pipping ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Gen. Kainerugaba said the promotions marked a deeper obligation to the nation and to the soldiers under their command.

“This ceremony is not merely a change of insignia or ranks; it represents greater responsibilities,” Gen. Kainerugaba said. 

He added,“Your subordinates will now look up to you for mentorship, wisdom, and solutions.”

The CDF, who also serves as Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, drew from scripture to underscore the weight of leadership entrusted to the officers.

“The Gospel of Luke reminds us in chapter 12, verse 48: ‘From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked,’” he said.

Expounding on the message, Gen. Kainerugaba noted that the promotions reflected the confidence and trust placed in the officers by the nation and the UPDF leadership.

“You have been given much, the trust of the nation, the confidence of your commanders, and the faith of the soldiers you will lead. In return, much more is now expected. Your judgment must be sharper, your integrity stronger, and your commitment to the soldiers under your command more absolute,” he added.

Turning to the national political environment, the CDF called on Ugandans to maintain peace during the electoral period, encouraging citizens to participate in voting and then return home peacefully.

“There will be sufficient scrutiny by agents, media, and international observers to ensure a transparent and credible process,” he said.

He warned that any attempts to disrupt peace would be firmly handled within the confines of the law.

“Those who will try to cause trouble, as I have heard some people proclaim, will be dealt with swiftly and decisively with all the tools at our disposal, and in accordance with the law,” Gen. Kainerugaba cautioned.

“We strongly urge all political actors during this electoral season to abide by Independent Electoral Commission guidelines and cooperate fully with security forces for the safety of all. We appeal to citizens to cast their votes peacefully and go home, not hang around polling stations,” he added.

Gen. Kainerugaba also paid tribute to the Commander-in-Chief, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, crediting his strategic leadership for transforming the UPDF into a professional force contributing to peace and stability in Uganda, the region, and across the continent.

On behalf of the promoted officers, the Chief of Joint Staff and most senior among them, Lt. Gen. Jack Bakasumba, thanked the CDF and the Commander-in-Chief for the confidence entrusted in them.

“We pledge to uphold the UPDF values of integrity, courage, and discipline in the execution of our duties,” Lt. Gen. Bakasumba said, while also commending the CDF for his strategic leadership and mentorship of the force.

The ceremony was attended by senior UPDF leadership, including the Commander Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga; Commander of the UPDF Air Force, Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi; and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Ms. Edith Butuuro.

Among the newly decorated officers were Lieutenant Generals Jack Bakasumba and Francis Okello; Major Generals James Kinaalwa, Deus Sande, Charles Byanyima, William Bainomugisha, and Christopher Ddamulira; and Brigadier Generals McDans Kamugira, Fred Zakye, and Paddy Ankunda, among others.

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As the festive season approaches, the Uganda Police Force has intensified road safety operations nationwide under the code name “Arrive Alive” to reduce accidents and ensure safe travel for all road users.

In the past week alone, police have apprehended 644 drivers for traffic violations. These include 325 for operating vehicles in dangerous mechanical conditions, 124 for reckless driving, 123 for illegal vehicle modifications, 23 for driving under the influence of alcohol, and 17 for driving without a valid license. Other offences included dangerous loading, abandoned vehicles, and carrying passengers in unsafe positions.

Speaking to the press, SP Michael Kanaura, Pro-Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, warned motorists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations.

“Buses traveling distances of over 300 kilometers must not undertake return journeys within 24 hours, and only buses with valid route charts and PSV licences will be allowed to operate,” Kanaura emphasized.

He added, “All drivers must possess valid driving licences, and bus drivers must display their driver badges and a clear photo inside the bus. School buses and unauthorized private vehicles are not allowed to operate as passenger service vehicles.”

The police also reiterated other key safety measures for motorists, including ensuring vehicles are in good mechanical condition, with functional brakes, proper tire pressure, and adequate lighting. Drivers must adhere to speed limits, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity, and avoid overtaking in risky areas such as hills, corners, and busy sections of the road. The use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving is strictly prohibited. All passengers should wear seatbelts, and motorcyclists and passengers must wear helmets. Drivers must also refrain from drinking and driving.

SP Kanaura further stated, “Failure to comply with these directives will result in arrest and legal action. Road safety is a collective responsibility, and the public must remain vigilant and alert while traveling.”

The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety is working closely with government agencies, private sector partners, civil society organizations, religious institutions, and the media to ensure safer roads throughout the festive period. Public education and awareness campaigns are also being conducted through various platforms.

Motorists and members of the public are urged to report traffic-related incidents through the toll-free numbers: 0800 199 099 / 0779 999 999.

“Let us all work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable festive season for everyone. Arrive Alive!” Kanaura noted.

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Parliament is set to return tomorrow (Tuesday) for a special sitting that is expected to put additional strain on Uganda’s public finances, with legislators being asked to endorse a new borrowing amounting to more than Shs2.17 trillion.

The December 16 session comes amid growing unease over the state’s heavy dependence on debt to fund both infrastructure projects and recurrent needs. The concerns are still fresh following Parliament’s recent approval of Shs8.1 trillion in supplementary allocations for the 2025/26 financial year.

In a notice issued to Members of Parliament, the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Adolf Mwesige Kasija, stated that the House will convene at 2:00 p.m. to receive the National Budget Framework Paper for FY 2026/27 to 2030/31, which outlines the government’s priorities and spending plans over the medium term.

According to the Order Paper, proceedings will begin with the presentation of the Tax Expenditure Report covering July to September 2025. MPs will also consider a proposal to waive outstanding tax obligations owed by NewPlan Limited before turning to three major financing requests submitted by the Ministry of Finance.

One motion seeks approval to pre-finance the design and construction of the 87-kilometre Kayunga–Bbaale–Galiraya Road, earmarked for upgrading from gravel to a paved standard. Another asks Parliament to approve a $162 million loan, equivalent to about Shs579.2 billion, from the Korea Export-Import Bank to support the Makerere University Improvement Project, which targets infrastructure modernisation and expansion of academic facilities.

The largest financing proposal involves external borrowing of EUR 385 million, approximately $448 million or Shs1.595 trillion, from Rand Merchant Bank and other lenders to support broader infrastructure and development programs in the 2025/26 budget. Combined, the three facilities total $610 million, or Shs2.172 trillion.

Beyond financing matters, MPs are also expected to debate the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill, 2024, which is scheduled for its second and third readings, introducing a legislative element to a sitting largely focused on fiscal decisions.

The planned borrowing has revived arguments raised during recent supplementary budget debates, where opposition legislators warned that Uganda could be sliding into a pattern of fiscal indiscipline. Kira Municipality MP and Shadow Finance Minister Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda said repeated supplementary expenditures, often financed through loans, have pushed the revised 2025/26 budget to Shs78 trillion.

He further warned that with Shs32 trillion already earmarked for borrowing to finance the approved budget, the government’s return to both domestic and external markets would intensify pressure on public debt.

Concerns have also emerged over the pace at which approved loans are implemented. Bugiri Municipality MP and JEEMA president Asuman Basalirwa questioned the government’s capacity to finalise loan agreements promptly, citing a $20 million facility from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa approved in September 2025 that remains unsigned despite further commitments.

Defending the government’s position, State Minister for Finance (General Duties) Henry Musasizi said the Public Finance Management Act permits supplementary spending beyond the 3% limit once Parliament grants approval. He added that funding sources had been clearly disclosed in line with the House’s Rules of Procedure.

Nevertheless, the Auditor General has consistently cautioned that frequent supplementary budgets weaken fiscal planning and discipline. In his 2023 report, he described the trend as increasingly inefficient, noting that many requests are presented without adequate engagement with programme managers.

As of June 2025, Uganda’s public debt stood at Shs116.2 trillion, or about $32.3 billion, representing a 26.2% rise from the previous year. Domestic debt accounted for Shs60.3 trillion, while external obligations reached Shs55.9 trillion, pushing the debt-to-GDP ratio to 51.3%.

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