The Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC) Maj Gen Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations (CDF & SPA/SO), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba yesterday commissioned various infrastructure projects at the Special Warfare Centre and School - Camp Rufu in Ruhengyere, Kiruhura District.
The commissioned projects include Camp Rufu Barracks, Quarter Guard, Ruhengyere Army Primary School, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers' quarters, Commander's House, Officers' Mess, Dormitories (Rwigyema and Kainerugaba) and Museveni Auditorium Hall. These facilities cost the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA/UPDF) a total of UGX 3,361,593,220.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Maj Gen Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru commended Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his unwavering commitment towards the improvement of soldiers' welfare and the development of troops.
He said a well-catered-for soldier is expected to maintain operational readiness since his morale to work is high.
He mentioned that the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) welfare scope is a critical pillar of military professionalism, discipline and mentorship.
"They are expected to remain the link between commanders and troops, maintain standards and ensure that commander's intent is effectively translated into action," elaborated the SFC Commander.
To the Special Forces Group, the SFC Commander said: "I want to remind you that infrastructure alone does not create an effective fighting force. Our greatest asset remains the personnel, the humans, that is the soldiers, because one general said, humans are more important than hardware. So our main asset here are personnel."
He urged them to continue investing in realistic training, physical fitness, tactical proficiency, leadership, discipline and teamwork.
"Maintain a high state of combat readiness and ensure that every soldier understands their role in accomplishing the given mission," he said.
He further implored every commander to lead by example and ensure that these values are reflected both on operations and in their daily use.
The SFC Commander highlighted that the commissioned facilities have been achieved through considerable utilisation of resources.
"I therefore expect you to protect, maintain, and utilise these facilities responsibly," he warned, further noting that "the completion of a project is not the end of our responsibility."
Maj Gen Asaph Mweteise elaborated that the projects being commissioned today were made possible by financial support from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs through Special Forces Command, complemented by resources from our own savings.
"These achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished through proper planning, teamwork, prudent use of resources, and commitment of personnel," Maj Gen Mweteise further stated.
Maj Gen Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru noted that the newly constructed facilities indicate the beginning of our duty to preserve the investment.
"Let us all continue to strengthen the relationship between welfare and operational readiness," he appealed, further noting that "a well-catered force soldier is better positioned to train effectively, remain motivated, and respond to operational demands."
He also noted that welfare must therefore remain an integral part of command responsibility.
The SFC Commander recognised both the construction committee and the civilian team engineers for their commitment to work and frugal handling of resources. He promised vertical construction at Camp Rufu to efficiently utilise the available space.
He concluded by thanking the Chief of Defence Forces for his unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of the officers and militants of UPDF.
The Commander of the 2 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, thanked the SFC leadership for the good work done, saying "this is proof that UPDF has advanced not only in combat readiness but also accommodation level."
He lauded both the President of the Republic of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief of UPDF, His Excellency Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and CDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for their consistency and steadfast leadership in transforming the forces, especially in terms of welfare and training.
"Moving from Mama Yingiya Pole also known as (enter slowly) to better housing facilities is hinged on the guidance and goodwill of our current leaders," he noted.
He explained that the delayed welfare improvement was caused by the competing priorities, noting that UPDF had to secure Uganda first then development would follow.
Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi also saluted the UPDF leadership for decentralising training activities, noting that the act has tremendously reduced the backlog of Senior and Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs).
The Commander of the 2 Special Forces Group, Col Jimmy Mukuba Kabila, appreciated the milestone achieved by Camp Rufu. "The infrastructural projects are an energiser for all combatants at Camp Rufu," he said, adding that "the buildings will not make them soft but harder and smarter in terms of complex combat readiness."
He thanked the UPDF leadership for building a professional, disciplined and sophisticated force that has pacified the Great Lakes Region. "We remain ready and committed for complex battle missions in an evolving field battle environment," he promised the CDF.
The Acting Joint Staff Engineers Brigade, Col James Rwegaba, appreciated the CDF for supporting development of infrastructure in all UPDF units and formations, further appreciating the support for construction of Ministry of Defence headquarters due for commissioning in December 2025.
He added that UPDF Engineers Brigade is involved in the construction of over 500 projects countrywide as per the Presidential Directive for UPDF to construct all education and health facilities.
"With the construction projects in all SFC units, there's value for money," observed Col. James Rwegaba. He, however, decried the existing budget constraints in improving soldiers' housing facilities.
The LC V Chairman for Kiruhura District, Mr Dan Mukago, commended UPDF for the existing peace and security in the country, saying this has paved way for development, giving Camp Rufu Barracks as an example of development in Kiruhura District.
The ceremony was also attended by the Commander of the 5 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Keith Katungi, Service Chiefs, Deputy Service Chiefs, General Officers, SFC Group Commanders, Senior and Junior Officers, MPs, local leaders and militants, among others.
