UPDF Moves to Modernise Logistics and Stamp Out Resource Misuse

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has unveiled measures to modernise its logistics systems, emphasising automation, infrastructural development, and strict discipline as key pillars of an efficient army.

Brigadier General Chris Bagonza, Land Force Chief of Staff, highlighted the central role of logistics in maintaining combat readiness and national security.

“The process of automating all UPDF logistics is underway, led by Brigadier General Ephraim Mugume. The exercise is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. It will improve efficiency, reduce waste and bureaucracy, and curb theft and mismanagement of army resources,” Brig Gen Bagonza said.

Brig Gen Bagonza made the remarks today while presiding over the closure of a four-day ideological retreat at the College of Logistics and Engineering (COLE) in Magamaga, where he represented Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

He cautioned against misuse of army resources, urging logisticians to exercise “conscious discipline” when handling supplies such as food, fuel, and other materials.

He highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects that are heavy on logistics, including two newly commissioned dormitory blocks at COLE, construction of the Joint Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF Services headquarters, new storage facilities at several Brigade headquarters, and the groundbreaking of another dormitory block at the College.

He attributed these developments to the guidance of President and Commander-in-Chief, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and commended the COLE engineering team, led by Eng. Ann Zawede, for their professional execution of projects.

The Joint Staff Logistics, Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba, emphasised the critical role of logisticians in ensuring the army is fully supported during both peace and wartime operations. “Our mandate covers combat logistics, mobility, transport, procurement, storage, training, planning, and command and control. Most of our targets this year have been met,” he said, urging participants to apply lessons from the retreat to improve UPDF service delivery.

The retreat, he added, allowed participants to share experiences and address operational challenges, strengthening overall capacity. He also praised COLE for training logisticians from Uganda and allied countries, noting that 35 logisticians from the Rwanda Defence Forces are alumni of the College.

The retreat also featured the launch of two logistics manuals authored by Brig Gen Karugaba: UPDF Tactical Logistics Manual and Petroleum Oils and Lubricants Management Control Measures.

The ceremony was attended by senior and junior UPDF officers, including Col Deo Akiiki, Col Elias Byamukama, Col Amos Rutaremwa, Col GM Abigaba, Col JB Katongole, and directors of logistics across various UPDF services.