The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has commissioned infrastructure projects worth UGX 3.36 billion at the Special Warfare Centre and School in Camp Rufu, Ruhengyere, Kiruhura District, aimed at improving soldiers’ welfare, accommodation and training facilities.
The projects were commissioned by the Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC), Major General Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The facilities include Camp Rufu Barracks, a Quarter Guard, Ruhengyere Army Primary School, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ quarters, the Commander’s House, Officers’ Mess, Rwigyema and Kainerugaba dormitories, and the Museveni Auditorium Hall.
According to the UPDF, the projects cost the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs a total of UGX 3,361,593,220.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Maj Gen Nyakikuru commended the UPDF leadership for prioritising soldiers’ welfare, noting that improved living conditions contribute to troop morale and operational readiness.
He emphasised the importance of Non-Commissioned Officers’ welfare, describing it as a critical pillar of military professionalism, discipline and mentorship.
He also reminded soldiers that infrastructure alone does not make an effective fighting force, urging them to prioritise realistic training, physical fitness, tactical proficiency, leadership and teamwork.
The SFC Commander further called on commanders and troops to protect and maintain the newly commissioned facilities, stressing that completing construction projects also comes with the responsibility of preserving the investment.
He attributed the achievements to financial support from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs through the Special Forces Command, alongside savings generated by the unit, and commended the construction committee and civilian engineers for their work.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the 2 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, praised the SFC leadership, saying the new facilities demonstrate improvements in both combat readiness and accommodation standards within the UPDF.
He also commended the country’s leadership for supporting the transformation of the forces, particularly in welfare and training, and noted that decentralising training activities had helped reduce the backlog of senior and junior Non-Commissioned Officers.
The Commander of the 2 Special Forces Group, Col Jimmy Mukuba Kabila, described the projects as a morale booster for troops at Camp Rufu, adding that improved facilities would support their preparedness for complex combat missions.
The Acting Joint Staff Engineers Brigade Commander, Col James Rwegaba, also commended the UPDF leadership for supporting infrastructure development across military units and formations. He revealed that the Engineers Brigade was involved in the construction of more than 500 projects countrywide under a presidential directive for the UPDF to construct education and health facilities.
However, Col Rwegaba highlighted budget constraints affecting efforts to improve soldiers’ accommodation.
The LC V Chairman of Kiruhura District, Dan Mukago, commended the UPDF for maintaining peace and security, saying this had created an environment conducive to development in the district.
The ceremony was attended by senior UPDF commanders, service chiefs, general officers, SFC group commanders, military personnel, Members of Parliament and local leaders.
