The State Minister for Education and Sports (Primary Education), Hon Joyce Moriku Kaducu, has praised the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) as a transparent and professional national army, ranking among the best on the African continent.
She made the remarks during the ground-breaking ceremony of a major construction project at the 503 Brigade of the UPDF 4 Infantry Division in Moyo District. The project will see the construction of five blocks, each containing six housing units for staff accommodation.
Minister Moriku Kaducu congratulated President Yoweri Museveni for his longstanding commitment to improving the welfare of security forces, tracing back to his bush war objectives. “This is a significant achievement, especially in this region, to witness the ground-breaking of staff quarters,” she said.
The minister further commended the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his dedication to enhancing the welfare of UPDF personnel, particularly in housing. “Today, we are seeing these commitments come to fruition. The dedication ensures we are moving forward into the 21st century,” she added.
She highlighted the government’s recognition of the UPDF Engineering Brigade for its quality and efficiency in executing projects, noting that President Museveni has directed all government projects to be undertaken by the brigade rather than foreign contractors, to ensure value for resources.
Representing the 4 Infantry Division Commander, Deputy Commander Brig Gen Jackson Kayanja hailed the initiative as part of broader efforts to improve troop welfare. “This project is one of two at brigade level, with others ongoing at division and battalion levels. We began with officers and will later extend to militants and their families,” he said.
Brig Gen Kayanja explained that the four-month project will deliver five blocks of six units each, with every unit comprising two bedrooms, a sitting room, a kitchen, a shed, and a store. He emphasised that improved living conditions would directly enhance troop performance.
The ceremony was attended by regional and district security officials, Moyo District leaders, senior and junior officers of the 4 Infantry Division, departmental heads, and UPDF personnel, who witnessed the launch of this landmark staff housing project.
