PROGRESS ON MINISTRY OF DEFENCE AND …ensure combat readiness, UPDF provided food stuffs, uniforms,...
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PROGRESS ON MINISTRY OF DEFENCE AND VETERAN AFFAIRS CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS ACHIEVEMENT OF THE UGANDA VISION 2040 The Uganda Vision 2040 identifies Defence, Peace and Security as one of the key fundamentals that must be strengthened to harness growth opportunities in Uganda. The same Vision recognises that “Ugandans aspire to live and work in a peaceful, secure and stable country”. Two National Development Plans (2010/11- 2014/15 & 2015/16-2019/20) have so far been implemented in the fulfilment of the Uganda Vision 2040. The National Development Plans point out that professionalization of the Defence Forces remains key in the achievement of the Defence Missions. Focus therefore has been put on the areas of military capability generation and consolidation; Combat Service Support and Veterans Affairs. Significant performance was registered in the highlighted areas as below; 1. Capability of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces The capability and capacity of UPDF was consolidated and enhanced through the development of sufficient force levels, weapon systems and requisite training that moved in tandem with technological advancement and changing security environment. The Ministry acquired, refurbished, upgraded and maintained defence equipment to improve the Land, Air and Special Forces in aspects like fire power, command and control, troop protection, mobility and sustainability. The Force undertook enlistment; military training both within Uganda and with friendly countries, career development and retirement of its officers and militants in accordance with terms and conditions of service. Training is continuous for both peace-time and war-time missions and operations. The remaining period of NDP II will see MoDVA establish a National Defence College (NDC). The College will admit strategic leaders from the wider government and international community. 2. Combat Service Support: Measures were put in place to strengthen Combat Service Support by providing logistical support to the troops to sustain their operations and combat readiness. Logistical support boosted mobility, deployability and morale of troops at all times particularly during Force generation, deployment and recovery operations leading to threat deterrence. To ensure combat readiness, UPDF provided food stuffs, uniforms, food, field hospitals and medicare to UPDF and family. The Commander in Chief examining the UPDF marines training equipment 3. Defence Infrastructure The Ministry successfully developed the First and Second Defence Strategic Infrastructure Investment Plan to guide the general infrastructure needs and developments. Key achievements to note were; a. Construction of training schools, renovation of health facilities and barracks. b.Commencement of construction works of the National Military Referral Hospital at lower Mbuya. The facility will provide specialized and high quality medical care to the UPDF and their families and ultimately minimize expenditure on treatment abroad and in private health facilities. These services will also be accessible to the general public. c. Completed the construction of 02 dental units and out-patient department at lower Mbuya. These specialised units will augment the services of the National Military Referral Hospital. The Intensive care unit at Bombo General Hospital was completed d. Preparations for the construction of the 30,000 Housing Units’ project are underway. These will provide decent accommodation to UPDF UPDF medical personnel providing health care services to civilians Officers and Militants. e. Renovation and upgrading the Air Force infrastructure at Nakasongola to facilitate the transfer of the Air Base to Nakasongola. f. Engineers have been trained to handle rail and road construction civil works. These will work under the auspices of NEC to undertake construction works. 4 Enhancement of production for wealth creation and self- sustainability National Enterprises Corporation (NEC) is a Parastatal Company under MoDVA that works in collaboration with other Government entities to enhance production and wealth creation. The general performance of NEC was good with several achievements despite budget challenges and Government institutional capacity. The NEC realised the following achievement under its various subsidiaries: a. Luwero Industries Limited (LIL): 1) A facility for commercial explosives was established under the commercial names of Kyoga Industries Ltd. It produces commercial explosives to support mining and infrastructure development, contributing to both production and cost efficiency in those Sectors. 2) A facility for industrial waste management was developed and is currently disposing of waste generated from oil production by M/S Tullow Oil. LIL will manage a similar contract from CNOCC in FY2018/19. b. NEC Construction Works and Engineering Ltd: The MoDVA was allocated construction equipment by the Ministry of Works and Transport. NEC will use this equipment to work in liaison with UNRA to perform various road construction projects. The works will contribute to economic development and build the capacity of the UPDF Engineers Brigade. c. NEC Uzima: The subsidiary which produces mineral water has performed successfully. It is in the process of establishing a new production line to meet the increasing demand for mineral water. NEC Uzima Water under production 5. Enhancement of Force Welfare: The salaries of lower ranks were increased starting FY2018/19. Gradual increase for senior ranks will be phased over time. Wazalendo SACCO has continued to encourage the saving culture for UPDF Officers and Militants. Wazalendo SACCO has the biggest portfolio in Uganda. The soldiers’ welfare is being improved through acquiring loans at low interest rates (Biashara loans for business and Nyumba loans for construction). The Ministry supported Defence Forces Shop (U) Ltd to enable UPDF officers and militants acquire building materials at subsidised prices in order to construct their homes. Eight (08) shops were established countrywide. Defence Forces Shops (Cement stores) 6. Policy and Planning Owing to the dynamic nature of the security environment, appropriate amendments were made on a number of Policies and Supportive frameworks in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness. These included the development/review of the Uganda Defence Doctrine (UDD), Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Establishment, Review of the UPDF Act and the Defence Policy and the UPDF Joint Standard Operating Procedures (JSOPs). The Ministry signed Memoranda of Understanding and Protocols with East African States’ Defence and Security agencies to enhance cooperation. The MoDVA is currently managing a monthly payroll of about 21,000 pensioners following a full decentralisation of the pension function to MDAs in line with Government policy. A Directorate of Veteran Affairs was established in FY 2016/17 to facilitate resettlement and reintegration of military veterans into productive civilian life. Veterans countrywide have been mobilised to form cooperative organisation. These cooperatives will act as vehicles for mobilisation and collective implementation of military veterans’ development programs. CHALLENGES a. Emerging new threats and technologies: The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs like any other security organisation is faced with emerging new threats. These are categorised in the areas of terrorism, cybercrime and civil wars in neighbouring countries. The immerging new threats are further enhanced by the ever changing technology which is costly to purchase and maintain given the limited resources within the organization. b. Payment of military pensions: MoDVA has a backlog of unpaid pension and gratuity cases for veterans and survivors. The backlog arose both as a result of unverified documentation and budgetary constraints. A mechanism has been put in place to fast track documentation and verification of pension files. Engagement with the Ministry of Finance will continue to get funding for this shortfall. c. Accommodation: There is still a challenge of inadequate and dilapidated accommodation for UPDF troops. The 30,000 housing project has not received any funding. The UPDF is steadily professionalising hence emphasizing the need for good housing. Encroachment on UPDF land: Encroachment on UPDF land by surrounding communities has stifled infrastructure developments and other productive activities. CONCLUSION The Ministry is committed to upholding its constitutional mandate of defending and protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda and contribute to Regional and International peace and security. The progressive professionalization and modernization of the UPDF is on course to make the Forces more professional to efficiently and effectively undertake thismandate.
Transcript of PROGRESS ON MINISTRY OF DEFENCE AND …ensure combat readiness, UPDF provided food stuffs, uniforms,...
PROGRESS ON MINISTRY OF DEFENCE AND VETERAN AFFAIRS CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS ACHIEVEMENT OF
THE UGANDA VISION 2040The Uganda Vision 2040 identifies Defence, Peace and Security as one of the key fundamentals that must be strengthened to harness growth opportunities in Uganda. The same Vision recognises that “Ugandans aspire to live and work in a peaceful, secure and stable country”.
Two National Development Plans (2010/11- 2014/15 & 2015/16-2019/20) have so far been implemented in the fulfilment of the Uganda Vision 2040. The National Development Plans point out that professionalization of the Defence Forces remains key in the achievement of the Defence Missions. Focus therefore has been put on the areas of military capability generation and consolidation; Combat Service Support and Veterans Affairs.
Significant performance was registered in the highlighted areas as below;
1. Capability of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces
The capability and capacity of UPDF was consolidated and enhanced through the development of sufficient force levels, weapon systems and requisite training that moved in tandem with technological advancement and changing security environment. The Ministry acquired, refurbished, upgraded and maintained defence equipment to improve the Land, Air and
Special Forces in aspects like fire power, command and control, troop protection, mobility and sustainability.
The Force undertook enlistment; military training both within Uganda and with friendly countries, career development and retirement of its officers and militants in accordance with terms and conditions of service. Training is continuous for both peace-time and war-time missions and operations.
The remaining period of NDP II will see MoDVA establish a National Defence College (NDC). The College will admit strategic leaders from the wider government and international community.
2. Combat Service Support:
Measures were put in place to strengthen Combat Service Support by providing logistical support to the troops to sustain their operations and combat readiness. Logistical support boosted mobility, deployability and morale of troops at all times particularly during Force generation, deployment and recovery operations leading to threat deterrence. To ensure combat readiness, UPDF provided food stuffs, uniforms, food, field hospitals and medicare to UPDF and family.
The Commander in Chief examining the UPDF marines training equipment
3. Defence InfrastructureThe Ministry successfully developed the First and Second Defence Strategic Infrastructure Investment Plan to guide the general infrastructure needs and developments. Key achievements to note were;
a. Construction of training schools, renovation of health facilities and barracks.
b.Commencement of construction works of the National Military Referral Hospital at lower Mbuya. The facility will provide specialized and high quality medical care to the UPDF and their families and ultimately minimize expenditure on treatment abroad and in private health facilities. These services will also be accessible to the general public.
c. Completed the construction of 02 dental units and out-patient department at lower Mbuya. These specialised units will augment the services of the National Military Referral Hospital. The Intensive care unit at Bombo General Hospital was completed
d. Preparations for the construction of the 30,000 Housing Units’ project are underway. These will provide decent accommodation to UPDF
UPDF medical personnel providing health care services to civilians
Officers and Militants.
e. Renovation and upgrading the Air Force infrastructure at Nakasongola to facilitate the transfer of the Air Base to Nakasongola.
f. Engineers have been trained to handle rail and road construction civil works. These will work under the auspices of NEC to undertake construction works.
4 Enhancement of production for wealth creation and self- sustainability
National Enterprises Corporation (NEC) is a Parastatal Company under MoDVA that works in collaboration with other Government entities to enhance production and wealth creation. The general performance of NEC was good with several achievements despite budget challenges and Government institutional capacity. The NEC realised the following achievement under its various subsidiaries:
a. Luwero Industries Limited (LIL):1) A facility for commercial explosives was established under the
commercial names of Kyoga Industries Ltd. It produces commercial explosives to support mining and infrastructure development, contributing to both production and cost efficiency in those Sectors.
2) A facility for industrial waste management was developed and is currently disposing of waste generated from oil production by M/S Tullow Oil. LIL will manage a similar contract from CNOCC in FY2018/19.
b. NEC Construction Works and Engineering Ltd: The MoDVA was allocated construction equipment by the Ministry of Works and Transport. NEC will use this equipment to work in liaison with UNRA to perform various road construction projects. The works will contribute to economic development and build the capacity of the UPDF Engineers Brigade.
c. NEC Uzima: The subsidiary which produces mineral water has performed successfully. It is in the process of establishing a new production line to meet the increasing demand for mineral water.
NEC Uzima Water under production
5. Enhancement of Force Welfare:The salaries of lower ranks were increased starting FY2018/19. Gradual increase for senior ranks will be phased over time.
Wazalendo SACCO has continued to encourage the saving culture for UPDF Officers and Militants. Wazalendo SACCO has the biggest portfolio in Uganda. The soldiers’ welfare is being improved through acquiring loans at low interest rates (Biashara loans for business and Nyumba loans for construction).
The Ministry supported Defence Forces Shop (U) Ltd to enable UPDF officers and militants acquire building materials at subsidised prices in order to construct their homes. Eight (08) shops were established countrywide.
Defence Forces Shops (Cement stores)
6. Policy and PlanningOwing to the dynamic nature of the security environment, appropriate amendments were made on a number of Policies and Supportive frameworks in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness. These included the development/review of the Uganda Defence Doctrine (UDD), Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Establishment, Review of the UPDF Act and the Defence Policy and the UPDF Joint Standard Operating Procedures (JSOPs).The Ministry signed Memoranda of Understanding and Protocols with EastAfrican States’ Defence and Security agencies to enhance cooperation.
The MoDVA is currently managing a monthly payroll of about 21,000 pensioners following a full decentralisation of the pension function to MDAs in line with Government policy.
A Directorate of Veteran Affairs was established in FY 2016/17 to facilitate resettlement and reintegration of military veterans into productive civilian life. Veterans countrywide have been mobilised to form cooperative organisation. These cooperatives will act as vehicles for mobilisation and collective implementation of military veterans’ development programs.
CHALLENGESa. Emerging new threats and technologies: The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs like
any other security organisation is faced with emerging new threats. These are categorised in the areas of terrorism, cybercrime and civil wars in neighbouring countries. The immerging new threats are further enhanced by the ever changing technology which is costly to purchase and maintain given the limited resources within the organization.
b. Payment of military pensions: MoDVA has a backlog of unpaid pension and gratuity cases for veterans and survivors. The backlog arose both as a result of unverified documentation and budgetary constraints. A mechanism has been put in place to fast track documentation and verification of pension files. Engagement with the Ministry of Finance will continue to get funding for this shortfall.
c. Accommodation: There is still a challenge of inadequate and dilapidated accommodation
for UPDF troops. The 30,000 housing project has not received any funding. The UPDF is steadily professionalising hence emphasizing the need for good housing.
Encroachment on UPDF land: Encroachment on UPDF land by surrounding communities has stifled infrastructure developments and other productive activities.CONCLUSION
The Ministry is committed to upholding its constitutional mandate of defending and protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda and contribute to Regional and International peace and security. The progressive professionalization and modernization of the UPDF is on course to make the Forces more professional to efficiently and effectively undertake this mandate.
