THE ministry of defence will next financial year embark on the construction of a new barracks and headquarters, to be situated in Mbuya, a Kampala suburb.
Defence minister Amama Mbabazi (right) said this in his ministry’s revenue and expenditure frame work paper for the 2004/05 financial year, presented to Parliament.
He said the Uganda peoples’ Defence Forces would shift base from the old army barracks in Bombo.
He said there was need to house the different sections of the army in one place, adding that the old barracks will be given to one of the units.
State minister for defence Ruth Nankabirwa said the location of the headquarters presented a problem of travel from the city centre, which had proven time-consuming.
The budget allocation for the ministry this financial year commencing are sh367b.
The defence and internal affairs committee chaired by Simon Mayende (Samia Bigwe) appreciated the efforts by the ministry in modernising the army.
The MPs said there was need to weed out ghost soldiers and streamline the activities of the force.
“The committee notes that there are still areas of potential savings in the ministry, if wastage are stopped. Before a plan to embark on a massive investment in the sector are undertaken, it is important to ensure that these areas are proof of wastage and leakages,†they said.
Ends
Defence to build new offices
