UPDF Engineers Break New Ground As Lt Col Namudongo Joins Engineers Registration Board

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has registered a new milestone beyond the battlefield after Lt Col Engineer Robert Namudongo, Commander of UPDF Engineers, was today sworn in as a member of the 20th Engineers Registration Board (ERB).

The function at the Ministry of Works and Transport Headquarters in Kampala was presided over by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala.

In his remarks, Gen Katumba Wamala felt proud and honoured to preside over the function. He thanked the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for nominating Lt Col Namudongo to fill the gap.

He thanked the President of the Republic of Uganda and Commander in Chief of UPDF H.E Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the guidance in building the national army, which we are all proud of and delivers beyond its combat functions.

He said today’s ceremony is in fulfilment of the 2026 campaign catchword of Protecting the Gains, adding that appointing Lt Col Namudongo to the ERB is one of the Gains.

He was proud that the National Army can produce officers to be members of the ERB. He said: “It’s a gain in the country and an achievement to be proud of.”

Gen Katumba Wamala said ERB plays a vital role in ensuring that only qualified and ethical engineers are licensed to practice. He said as the country continues to invest in expensive infrastructure, it’s important to have qualified and ethical engineers.

“If we don’t have ethical and qualified engineers, then we are planning for disaster to happen,” stressed Gen Katumba Wamala.

He stressed the need to have ethical engineers to oversee infrastructure development in the country considering the rate of development. He cautioned members to ensure that whoever comes on board is qualified.

He said that the quality of our roads, buildings and utilities depends a lot on the professional standards of engineers, further urging them to pay attention to details for quality work.

He wished Lt Col Namudongo a successful tour of duty and reminded him to continue serving with discipline and patriotism.

In his remarks, Lt Col Namudongo thanked the Chief of Defence Forces for appointing him to the board, adding that the new journey is very important in his career development. He promised to serve professionally. He also promised to observe, support and uphold the principles of the board.

The chairman of the ERB Mr Henry Arinaitwe welcomed the new member and urged him to serve the country diligently.

Mr Ronald Namugera, the ERB registrar, applauded the discipline exhibited by UPDF, adding that they have a lot to share since UPDF Engineers have successfully executed many infrastructure projects.

ERB ensures that only qualified and ethical engineers are licensed to practice.

Lt Col Robert Namudongo is the first UPDF officer to sit as ERB board member.

Other members of the board implored Lt Col Namudongo to serve with fairness and equity in adherence to policy guidance and capacity building.

The meeting was also attended by UPDF Senior Officers and representatives of various departments in the Ministry of Works and Transport.