Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has called for greater efficiency and faster implementation of Uganda People’s Defence Forces priorities following a review of the 2025/26 financial year.
Muhoozi said the UPDF had registered significant progress but needed to accelerate the delivery of key programmes.
“The overall picture is that we are steadily moving in the right direction, even though we must work a little bit faster,” Muhoozi said.
He made the remarks during the annual defence strategic retreat at the Defence Intelligence and Security Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.
The three-day retreat began on Saturday and ended on Monday. Muhoozi chaired the first two days, leading military and civilian officials through performance reviews and coordination discussions.
Muhoozi urges officials to adopt SMART priorities
During the retreat, Muhoozi presented consolidated strategic priorities to Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka, marking the beginning of their implementation.
He directed defence ministry officials to develop priorities that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound, commonly known as SMART priorities.
Muhoozi said the approach would strengthen planning, improve accountability and ensure the efficient use of public resources.
“Priorities that are SMART provide value for money, improve our efficiency and rigorously audit whatever we set out to do,” he said.
The annual retreat helps the defence ministry review its performance and align its plans with Uganda’s national security priorities.
Kiryowa reiterated the Government’s commitment to developing a modern, affordable and sustainable army.
He said the Government would also strengthen strategic partnerships that support national security and socio-economic development.
The minister pledged support for the UPDF’s budget priorities and praised Muhoozi for the progress made in transforming the army.
Kiryowa also encouraged other government ministries, departments and agencies to adopt the defence ministry’s approach to delivering results through the efficient use of public resources.
Defence State Minister Grace Akifeza Ngabirano and State Minister for Veteran Affairs Huda Abason Oleru attended the closing session.
Minister calls for greater visibility of UPDF achievements
Kiryowa urged the UPDF to improve communication about its achievements, saying many of its successes remain unknown to the public.
“So much is being done, but so little is known,” he said.
“It is about time someone started blowing their own trumpet,” Kiryowa added.
He called for a sustained publicity campaign highlighting the UPDF’s contribution to national security and socio-economic transformation.
Other senior military leaders who attended the retreat included Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding and Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba.
Senior defence ministry officials also participated, including Permanent Secretary Rosette Byengoma and Undersecretary for Finance and Administration Edith Butuuro.
Their work will help shape defence expenditure and priorities for the coming financial year.
