CDF urges engineers to expedite completion of UPDF Mbuya headquarters

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The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, urged the army’s Engineers Brigade to accelerate construction of the new Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters, directing that the two buildings be completed within the next eleven months.

The directive was made during his inspection visit to the construction site, where he assessed progress on the buildings, which are nearly 50% complete. He was given a detailed tour of the facility and assured that the project would be ready for occupation within the timeframe.

Gen. Kainerugaba had presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the project in August last year and returned to evaluate progress one year later. The headquarters is expected to feature modern facilities and cutting-edge technology.

During the inspection, the CDF was accompanied by the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen. Jack Bakasumba, and Defence Ministry undersecretary Edith Butuuro, alongside other senior UPDF and MODVA officials.

The construction site. (Courtesy)

(Courtesy)

According to one of the lead engineers, Lt Col Robert Chabo, the headquarters will be ready as planned. He explained that the buildings are currently at the third level, with only two more floors left to be added.

CDF Muhoozi speaking to the UPDF engineers. (Courtesy)

In August last year, Gen. Kainerugaba officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the joint MODVA and UPDF headquarters.

“It is of strategic importance that the MoDVA headquarters are accommodated in a modern and comfortable setting. This directly contributes to the operation efficiency, coordination and capabilities of the UPDF. Our new headquarters will incorporate the latest technology and infrastructure to support a modern defence strategy,” Kainerugaba said on August 26, 2024.

He expressed confidence in the UPDF leadership's commitment to excellence in defence and security, noting that the state-of-the-art headquarters would symbolise the nation’s strength and resilience.

Kainerugaba, also the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, thanked the Government, and particularly the President and Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Yoweri Museveni, for their support in realising the project. He said the new headquarters would improve decision-making, enhance coordination between the joint staff and services, and strengthen national security.

He also thanked the UPDF for undertaking the construction of a decent and honourable joint headquarters worthy of its name. He expressed optimism that the project would be completed within two years rather than the initially projected three years.