UPDF Commissions Shs3.36 Billion Infrastructure Projects at Camp Rufu

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has commissioned infrastructure projects worth Shs3.36 billion at the Special Warfare Centre and School at Camp Rufu in Ruhengyere, Kiruhura District. The projects aim to improve soldiers’ welfare, accommodation and operational readiness. The facilities include Camp Rufu Barracks, a Quarter Guard, Ruhengyere Army Primary School, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ quarters, the Commander’s House, Officers’ Mess, Rwigyema and Kainerugaba dormitories, and Museveni Auditorium Hall.

The projects were commissioned on Saturday, November 7, 2026, by the Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC), Maj Gen Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, representing the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the SFC invested a total of Shs3,361,593,220 in the projects. Nyakikuru commended Gen Kainerugaba for prioritising soldiers’ welfare and investing in infrastructure to improve the living and working conditions of troops.

Nyakikuru emphasised that improved welfare directly contributes to morale and operational readiness, adding that the wellbeing of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) was particularly important to military professionalism, discipline and mentorship. NCOs serve as a critical link between commanders and troops, ensuring that military standards are maintained and commanders’ intentions translated into action. He cautioned that infrastructure alone does not create an effective fighting force, emphasising the importance of investing in personnel through realistic training, physical fitness, tactical proficiency, leadership and teamwork.

The SFC commander urged troops to maintain high combat readiness and ensure every soldier understood their responsibilities in accomplishing assigned missions. He challenged commanders to lead by example and ensure that the newly commissioned facilities were properly maintained. Nyakikuru attributed the achievements to financial support from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs through the SFC, complemented by savings generated by the command.

Other attendees at the ceremony, including the Commander of the 2 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, and the Commander of the 2 Special Forces Group, Col Jimmy Mukuba Kabila, commended the UPDF leadership for prioritising soldiers’ welfare and transforming the military. Muhanguzi attributed the delayed improvement in soldiers’ welfare to competing national priorities, explaining that the military had first prioritised securing the country before focusing on further development.

The UPDF Engineers Brigade is implementing more than 500 construction projects countrywide under a presidential directive assigning the military responsibility for constructing education and health facilities. The Acting Joint Staff Engineers Brigade, Col James Rwegaba, commended the military leadership for supporting infrastructure development across UPDF units and formations but raised concerns over budget constraints affecting efforts to improve soldiers’ accommodation.

The ceremony was attended by various high-ranking officials, including the Commander of the 5 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Keith Katungi, service chiefs and their deputies, general officers, SFC group commanders, senior and junior officers, Members of Parliament, local leaders and other UPDF personnel. Kiruhura District LC V Chairperson Dan Mukago commended the UPDF for maintaining peace and security, saying stability had created an environment for development in the country.

Key points

• The UPDF has invested Shs3.36 billion in infrastructure projects at Camp Rufu to improve soldiers’ welfare and operational readiness.