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Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers have been urged to prepare for their retirement by constructing their houses.

The call by the acting deputy commander for land forces Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwaa was made during the commissioning of 60 housing units for the 303 Infantry Brigade in Ngurwe village, Kyangwali sub-county in Kikuube district.

Takirwa said as the officers prepare to get decent accommodation provided by the Government, they should work hard to save for the construction of their private residences in their home villages.

“We are calling this your home, but you should know that this is not your permanent home. One time, you will retire, or you can be sent back to your home because of health or discipline. So, you need to prepare so that you do not retire to Maama yingiya pole (makeshift structure), if we have condemned it [grass-thatched huts] today nobody should go to it again,” he said.

30,000 units targeted

According to Takirwa, the project is targeting 30,000 housing units for different army barracks.

“You the veterans of Maama yingiya pole, look at these housing units, they are nice and decent. So, you need to see that they remain decent when you start using them. Get gas and pressure cookers to avoid using charcoal that will make them dirty,” he said.

Lt Benard Ekaju the head of the SFC civil engineering regiment, said each housing unit costs shillings 71 million and that construction of the 60 units, which started in July 2022 was funded by the Government.

The project was implemented by the SFC civil engineering regiment and 01 engineering regiment at a cost of shillings 4.2 billion.

He commended the Government for the project adding that the officers who have been living in grass-thatched, mud, and wattle houses are going to start living in modern housing, which will improve their health.

Safe water challenge

However, Ekaju said though they have received the houses, the area is facing a challenge of lack of safe water and electricity and urged the Kikuube district local government to lobby for them to ensure that both the local community and the soldiers get water.

Kikuube District Resident Commissioner Amlan Tumusiime lauded UPDF for producing quality work.  

Division commander Brig. Gen. Semwanga commended President Museveni for fulfilling his promise of improving the welfare of army officers through improving their accommodation.

He noted that the commissioned housing units were the third to be commissioned within a few weeks following those at Kakiri Army Barracks in Wakiso district and Songo Bay in Kyotera district.

On the issues of water, Semwanga challenged the leadership of the 303 infantry brigade to put in place measures to ensure that they harvest water from the housing units for domestic use since the area is water-stressed.

Peter Banura, the Kikuube district chairperson, commended the Government for the construction of the houses adding that the initiative will boost the soldiers' morale to serve their country.

Banura promised to lobby the ministries of water and energy to see if the district can be supported to construct water sources and extend electricity to the area.