Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba the new CDF receiving one of the instrument of powers from the former CDF at Fourth Division Barracks in Gulu City. Courtesy photos
By Brian Komakech
Gulu: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has vowed to fight corruption and mismanagement of resources in the army.Gen. Muhoozi noted that fighting corruption in the army will ultimately lead to improved welfare of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers.
He made the remarks on Thursday as he took over the CDF office from Gen. Wilson Mbadi from the Fourth Infantry Division Headquarters in Gulu City.
Gen Mbadi was dropped by President Museveni in the recent reshuffle and appointed as the Minister of State for Trade, Industries, and Cooperatives
According to Gen. Muhoozi, by fighting corruption in the army, they will be able to acquire the best military equipment and offer good uniforms, education, and accommodation to their soldiers.
He promised to work with every UPDF soldier to achieve what is expected of the forces.
“Continue with our role in securing the non-military aspects of security like environmental, cyber, and political security,” said Gen Muhoozi.
In his acceptance speech as the new CDF, Gen. Muhoozi thanked the President and Commander in Chief of the UPDF Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his stewardship that has made UPDF grow to the level it is.
According to Gen. Muhoozi the UPDF continues to be the principal pillar of the Ugandan state all Ugandans respect.
“UPDF is the central institution of Uganda’s nationhood because entry into it is open to all Ugandans,” he said, adding that “Ugandans can disagree on anything but respect and support UPDF works.”
Gen. Muhoozi, promised that the UPDF under his charge would continue being professional, and moral to tackle comprehensive national security.
He lauded the outgoing CDF for doing a great job in building a modern professional force and implored soldiers to avoid self-centeredness.
Outgoing CDF, Gen Mbadi in his remarks congratulated Gen Muhoozi upon his new appointment as CDF.
“I congratulate you for catching the eye of the appointing authority,” said Gen. Mbadi.
Gen. Mbadi also thanked President Museveni for allowing him to head the country’s highest military office for the past 33 months.
“It has been an exciting 33 months serving at the helm of the Peoples’ Force and it gives me a strong sense of pride,” he said, adding that the “UPDF is a family of great people that are bound together to serve our great country.”
Gen. Mbadi, however, decried the inadequate defense budget, stating that out of the required budget, they continue to get only 47%, which he said hinders them from tackling extremist organizations (terrorists), cross-border tensions, cybercrimes, and livestock theft, among others.
Gen. Saleh offers counseling
Gen. Caleb Akandwanabo, alias Salim Saleh, the Special Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security and also Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), presided over the handover ceremony and advised both officers to continue preserving their health.
Saleh also urged them to cautiously uphold the first pillar of “Musevenomics” (President Museveni’s economic ideas), which stands on the security of life and property for social economic transformation.
Until his recent appointment by the President, Gen. Muhoozi served as a Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations.
He becomes the 13th CDF and follows the footsteps of Gen Mbadi, Gen David Rubakuba Muhoozi, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, Late Gen Aronda Nyakairima, Late Maj Gen James Kazini, Gen Abubaker Jeje Odongo, Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu, Gen Caleb Akandwanabo, and Late Gen Elly Tumwine among others.
