By ,Kakoba Media
The UPDF Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, has called upon staff officers to use resources frugally and ensure accountability. He made the remarks during the closure of a four-day retreat of UPDF Political Commissars, Intelligence Officers, Administrative Officers, Public Information Officers, and Regimental Sergeant Majors at the Oliver Reginald Tambo School of Leadership in Kaweweta, Nakaseke district. Mbadi said that frugality and accountability are essential for the UPDF to deliver on its constitutional mandate and continue to enjoy the support and trust of Ugandan citizens.
He warned that failure to observe these principles will stall the development of the force and government projects, and that those who engage in corrupt practices will be dealt with firmly.
Mbadi also highlighted some of the UPDF’s priorities, including the commencement of deliberate military planning and strategy, capability enhancement, general welfare, inspection and standards, and the defence strategic infrastructure investment plan. He urged staff officers to be mindful of the importance of ideological orientation, saying that it is essential for the UPDF to maintain its glory.
“Don’t be contaminated and contagiously afflicted by ideological asphyxiation (ideological lack of oxygen),” he said.
“Ideological focus has always been our oxygen. You eliminate it and you will subject yourself and the rest to lack of oxygen which of course we can’t accept. We must have ideological clarity and there must be consistent and continuous ideological orientation. This will allow us to have a patriotic mindset and hence voluntary sacrifice for the sake of our country, “he added.
The Chief Political Commissar, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, called upon officers to be disciples of ideology and work with commanders to ensure that awareness is command-driven.
He said that the main objectives of the retreat were to create synergy between the participants to achieve effectiveness, enhance conscious discipline, and improve the public image of the UPDF.
The annual four-day retreat ran under the theme: “Strengthening Synergy of Political Commissariat and other Stakeholders in Enhancing Conscious Discipline and Public Image of UPDF.”
