By Sharon Kyomugisha
The annual defence strategic retreat has ended, with Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka presiding over the closing session on Monday.
He was joined by State Minister for Defence Grace Akifeza Ngabirano and State Minister for Veteran Affairs Dr Huda Abason Oleru.
The three-day retreat was opened on Saturday by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, at the Defence Intelligence and Security Headquarters in Mbuya.
Gen Kainerugaba chaired the first two days, during which military and civilian leaders reviewed performance and discussed priorities for the coming period.
He said the UPDF had made progress during the 2025/26 financial year but needed to improve efficiency and speed up implementation.
“The overall picture is that we are steadily moving in the right direction, even though we must work a little bit faster,” Gen Kainerugaba said.
The CDF urged officials to adopt SMART priorities that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound.
He said this would improve planning, resource use, accountability and value for money.
At the close of the retreat, Gen Kainerugaba presented the agreed strategic priorities to Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka for implementation.
Kiwanuka said government remains committed to building a modern, affordable and sustainable UPDF while strengthening partnerships that support national security and development.
He also called for better communication of the UPDF’s achievements, saying much of the work done by the force is not known to the public.
“So much is being done, but so little is known,” he said.
The minister pledged support for the UPDF’s budget priorities and called for sustained public communication on the force’s contribution to national security and economic development.
He also commended Gen Kainerugaba for the progress made in transforming the UPDF and urged other government institutions to improve delivery through better use of public resources.
The retreat is held annually to align the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs’ plans with national security priorities.
Other officials who attended included Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, Permanent Secretary Rosette Byengoma and Under-Secretary for Finance and Administration Edith Butuuro.
