The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Chief of Joint Staff, Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, has challenged human resource officers to uphold integrity, professionalism and accountability in the management of personnel, describing them as custodians of the force’s human capital.
He made the call during the closure of a two-day inaugural Joint Staff Human Resource Management retreat held at the Defence Intelligence and Security headquarters in Mbuya where he urged officers to remain committed in the execution of their duties.
“Let us all maintain a shared sense of purpose and responsibility as we combine efforts to make sure we set things right. Do not be afraid to do what is right,” said Lt Gen Bakasumba.
He emphasised the need for human resource officers to be proactive, exercise sound judgment and act in the best interest of the institution.
“The army survives more on your readiness and capability as managers of personnel, so do what is expected of you whether there’s someone watching or not. Try hard to keep a clean name and use whatever knowledge you have only to do good,” he advised.
Lt Gen Bakasumba encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the retreat and share it with colleagues in their respective units to improve personnel administration across the force.
In his remarks, Major General James Kinalwa, the Joint Staff Human Resource Management, said the retreat was convened to address persistent administrative challenges within the UPDF and to strengthen the capacity of human resource officers.
“This retreat was initiated and convened against a backdrop of several related challenges within our Human Resource Management, so that we can share ideas on how to resolve these persistent issues,” he said.
Maj Gen Kinalwa observed that during the retreat, several resolutions were reached.
“We pledge to translate this knowledge into action and become more effective and responsive to the needs of the personnel we serve,” he said.
He commended the UPDF leadership, especially the Chief of Joint Staff for supporting the retreat.
“Your presence here today is a strong demonstration of the support that the leadership has rendered to us and for their commitment in making this retreat a success,” he said.
Earlier, during the opening session, Maj Gen Kinalwa underscored the critical role of human resource in the UPDF.
“The strength of UPDF entirely lies not in its operational capability but in how well it manages, supports and develops its people. As human resource, we play a vital role in the UPDF and we are the backbone of the institution,” he said.
He added that human resource officers play a central role in recruitment, training recommendations, career progression and deployment, who require continuous alignment through such engagements.
The retreat brought together Generals, Directors, Division and Brigade Administrative Officers, Records Officers, and representatives from training schools, formations and independent units.
