Gen Saleh Cites Information Warfare as Key Security Challenge

The Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence, General (Rtd) Caleb Akandwanaho, commonly known as Gen Salim Saleh, has cited information warfare as one of the major challenges facing modern armies.

Speaking during a meeting with Defence Attachés accredited to Uganda at the Heritage Farm Command Post in Kirema, Nakaseke District, Gen Saleh said the nature of warfare continues to evolve, requiring armed forces to adapt to emerging threats.

Drawing lessons from Uganda’s liberation struggle, he noted that security threats have shifted from conventional warfare to more complex forms of conflict, including mass demonstrations and information-based campaigns.

“We started looking at other forms of warfare that we did not expect,” Gen Saleh said.

He urged Defence Attachés and military officers to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills required to understand and respond to emerging security challenges.

Gen Saleh also emphasised the importance of understanding the socio-economic conditions of the population, saying security institutions should remain informed about developments within society.

“There is a need for armies to understand what is happening in society and the socio-economic conditions of the people,” he said.

Gen Saleh said reforms within the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces were influenced by President Yoweri Museveni’s vision of an army that contributes to national development.

He noted that this approach led to increased engagement between the military and communities through programmes such as Operation Wealth Creation and the Parish Development Model.

“He envisaged a force capable of contributing to food security, participating in wealth creation, and eventually manufacturing some of its own requirements and equipment,” Gen Saleh said.

The Acting Deputy Chief Coordinator of OWC, Brigadier General Godfrey Muwanguzi, highlighted the role of agriculture in household income generation. He said the four-acre model encourages households to maximize land use through crop cultivation and livestock farming.

Representing the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen Richard Otto, Col Allan Matsiko, the Assistant Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security in charge of Defence Engagements and International Affairs, thanked Gen Saleh for sharing insights on the history of the UPDF, Uganda’s liberation struggle, and the role of Operation Wealth Creation.

Also present were the Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement, Hon. Richard Todwong, and the Commander of the 1 Infantry Division, Brig Gen Fred Mwesigye.