President wants UPDF in more construction projects

UPDF|MUSEVENI|CONSTRUCTION

The army should undertake its own construction projects to avoid high contractor costs and grow its skilled force, President Museveni has said.

The President made the remarks on Friday (November 6, 2020), as he commissioned the new Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe. The building is named "Gen. Y. K. Museveni House."

The three-storey facility, built by the SFC construction unit, cost shs3.48b. Initially, an external contractor had quoted sh9b, according to a release from State House.

President Museveni also commissioned new soldiers' dormitories, renovated houses for non-commissioned officers, gun-sheds, and a fuel pump.

The construction of the entire complex was executed in 23 months. In his address after inspecting the complex, Museveni commended the SFC construction unit for working in a disciplined manner and reducing the costs of the project.

"With the private contractors, you could have spent three more times, instead of sh3.48b that has been used," he said. "The contractors take up construction projects without having cash in hand.

They borrow money from commercial banks at a high-interest rate, pay VAT at 18%, they lack the means of transport for materials," he said, adding that these hike costs to above 70% of the normal bill.

That is why I kept asking you to take up construction of your buildings by yourselves," he said, imploring soldiers to also undertake similar projects like the construction of schools.

Encouraging more involvement of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) construction unit, the President noted that it was incorrect for military buildings to be built by private contractors since it raised issues of breach of privacy.

At the ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Adolf Mwesige, the President asked the SFC construction unit, comprised of 1,000 soldiers, to polish their skills.

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Wilson Mbadi, said the facility would provide a good working environment for soldiers and help the troops to remain together as an organic force to deliver services effectively.

The Commander of the SFC, Maj. Gen. James Birungi, thanked the President for his guidance and support to both UPDF and SFC for the accomplished tasks and future undertakings.

"Infrastructure development for any society is a sign of good leadership in readiness and training," he said. Maj. Gen. Birungi further pledged that the construction unit will continue to execute its work diligently.

"Kazi tuta fanya sisi wenyewe (we shall undertake the work ourselves)," he said.