D/CDF Commissions 16th Defence Forces Shop Branch At Katabi

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (D/CDF), Lt Gen Sam Okiding, has commissioned the Defence Forces Shop Uganda Limited (DFSUL) at Katabi Barracks in Entebbe. This is the 16th branch.

Speaking during the official launch of the DFSUL, Lt Gen Sam Okiding commended the President and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, His Excellency Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for continuously fighting to improve the welfare of soldiers as evidenced by the Defence Forces Shop where items will be supplied at a reduced cost as compared to the normal market prices.

He said the President is committed to improving the welfare of soldiers by all means.

He also lauded the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for being a good team player and an all-round person, characters that have seen the UPDF evolve into a modern professional army.

Lt Gen Okiding urged those in positions of responsibility to always supervise, inspect and make a follow-up of army projects to ensure sustainability.

“If you don’t supervise, then don’t blame, because we are good at shifting blame,” he said, adding that the Defence Forces Shop is commerce-oriented and tailored to benefit a soldier’s demands since it provides quality products but at a reduced cost.

He noted that the UPDF leadership pledges to continue improving the welfare, medical, education and accommodation of soldiers to enhance their fighting power and not firepower.

“When a soldier is fighting, he should not be disturbed,” he said.

“Fighting lies in the heart not power. How much can I resist in terms of pressure comes from a settled mind,” he noted.

He further urged soldiers to maintain the new facility. “You can decide to maintain the spirit or abuse it since whatever happens in the world happens at a time God chooses,” he recounted.

The Deputy CDF also thanked suppliers for joining the fight to improve soldiers’ welfare to ensure peace, tranquility and stability for socio-economic transformation.

Speaking at the same function, the Commander of Air Force (CAF), Lt Gen Charles Okidi, noted that the Defence Forces Shop or army shop is a critical aspect to a soldier since it improves his welfare and that of his family.

He thanked the UPDF leadership for the strategic guidance in making the dream of improving soldiers’ welfare a reality.

He said the UPDF doesn’t only fight and protect but also cares for its people.

He, however, cautioned authorities at the army shop to desist from using soldiers’ welfare for personal gains.

He also implored management at the new branch to discharge their duties with wisdom and integrity.

The General Manager DFSUL, Col Deus Taremwa, thanked the Board of Directors for the mentorship and strategic guidance that has led to the creation of the 16th branch in Katabi Barracks.

He said the Defence Forces Shop serves every soldier irrespective of rank and file, adding that products at the shop are demand-driven.

He recognised business partners or suppliers for their commitment, saying the DFS can’t deliver value without dependable partnerships.

The General Manager said the UPDF remains committed to building a DFS that is financially stable and serves with integrity and professionalism.

He urged suppliers to ensure transparency and value for money throughout any transaction.

He promised that the Defence Forces Shop will continue growing from strength to strength.

Suppliers at the ceremony included representatives from Uganda Clays Limited, Roofings Uganda Limited, Steel and Tube Industries, Kinyara Sugar Limited, Simba Cement, Hima Cement, Plascon Paint, among others.

Items exhibited included cement, roofing tiles, roofing sheets, stainless water tanks, construction bars, barbed wire, nails, chain link, angle bars, wheelbarrows, pavers, bricks, laundry bar soap, liquid soap, marblex paint, among others.

The function was also attended by the Commander Reserve Force, Maj Gen Joseph Musoke Ssewanga, Deputy Commander Land Force, Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, Chief of Staff Land Force, Maj Gen Chris Bagonza, former General Manager DFSUL, Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Maitland Bitumbika, the Acting Director Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi, among other UPDF Senior and Junior Officers.