Minister Ssempijja Challenges Defence To Balance Priorities Amidst Competing Demands

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja has challenged the leadership of the Ministry and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces on balancing priorities in the prevailing circumstances that require prioritization amidst competing demands.

“The inter-linkage between human security which is largely dependant on socio-economic sectors such as the provision of health services, education, employment and food security on one hand and national security which is reliant on efficient and professional armed forces with multiple domain capabilities requires us to seriously balance our priorities,” Hon. Ssempijja said.

Hon. Ssempijja made the remarks today during the opening of a Strategic Planning Retreat that attracted Senior Leaders of the Defence Ministry, Leadership and Service Chiefs of the UPDF at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort, Kigo. “This retreat provides us a good forum to forecast a combined impact of security uncertainties, challenges and requirements of the future and how best you can plan with the limited resources availed to us to address the most crucial issues,” said Hon. Ssempijja as he challenged the officials to be frugal and ensure value for all resources availed to them.

Minister Ssempijja thanked H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF for his interventions during the concluded financial year (2022/2023) and said that the President is fully committed to the process of modernization and professionalism of the UPDF as a foundation for long term peace and stability.

In attendance were: Minister of State in Charge of Veteran Affairs Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, Minister of State for Defence (Defence) Hon. Jacob Oboth, Undersecretary Finance and Administration Mrs Edith Buturo, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, Commander Land Force Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, General Officer Commanding Reserve Force Lt Gen Charles Otema, Joint Chief of Staff Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda and Service Chiefs.