Source State House FB PAGE
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Armed Forces is currently on a countrywide tour of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) barracks, to acquaint himself with the situation in the barracks and the challenges soldiers are facing.
Interacting with Officers and men of the 3rd Division in Moroto Army barracks in Moroto District, Karamoja Sub-Region, Gen. Museveni -;
Urged members of the UPDF’s WAZALENDO Savings and Cooperative Society, to use the money they save wisely.
Advised spouses of soldiers to engage in income generating enterprises such as weaving of sweaters, among others, and made a contribution to the Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) of the wives of soldiers of the 3rd Division.
Gen. Museveni used the occasion to remind Officers and men of the 3rd Division of the principles of a liberation army that include Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation and Democracy.
“Your work is to ensure prosperity for our people; that families have income, live in good houses, send children to school, have good health and easy mode of transport,” he said.
He encouraged Senior Officers of the UPDF to internalize those principles for effective impact, especially for the prosperity of all in Uganda.
‘What is the mission of a liberation Army? It is to work for the prosperity of Uganda. How? By believing that Uganda can protect the interest of the people. So the mission of UPDF is Patriotism, love your country, think more of Uganda; don’t think of Teso only but of Uganda, East Africa and Africa for our prosperity,” he said.
Gen. Museveni pointed out that by insisting on modernization, an area like Karamoja, is gradually taking a new face. Improved infrastructure has prompted the mushrooming of modern buildings like the hotels that are being constructed by a Kampala based investor.
“Electricity is available and road infrastructure is in place. Karamoja will become an industrial zone,” he noted.
Regarding accommodation for soldiers, 30,000 units are to be constructed by the UPDF’s Building Brigade starting in July this year.
On health, Gen. Museveni reiterated his call to all soldiers to value their lives by not living recklessly. He advised them to avoid alcohol, promiscuity smoking. He pledged to ensure that children of soldiers receive the necessary education.
