Celebrating this achievement, Gen Kainerugaba highlighted the importance of having a headquarters befitting the stature of the UPDF. Edith Butuuro, the Ministry’s Undersecretary of Finance and Administration, disclosed that the project is estimated to cost around Shs94 billion.
Describing the launch as a step towards establishing a respectable Ministry of Defence headquarters, Gen Kainerugaba expressed his desire for a shorter construction timeline, even though engineers projected a three-year period.
Acknowledging the outdated previous headquarters, he said, “It has not been a good image for the UPDF,” and expressed relief that this issue is now being addressed. Gen Kainerugaba, who also serves as a senior presidential advisor, thanked President Yoweri Museveni for supporting the initiative.
Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief Joint Staff, commended Gen Kainerugaba for his role in commencing the project. He mentioned that Shs10 billion was allocated last year, with another Shs10 billion to be released this year, with UPDF engineers handling the construction.
Butuuro praised Gen Kainerugaba’s commitment to welfare projects, citing his previous successful initiatives and assuring him of continued support. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking military officials, including Deputy CDF Lt Gen Sam Okiding and other senior UPDF officers.
