The Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations (CDF and SPA/SO), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has called on logisticians in the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) to uphold integrity, accountability and professionalism in the management of military logistics systems.
Represented at the closure of the 2nd Annual UPDF Senior Logistics Leaders Retreat 2026 by the Chief of Staff Air Force (COS-AF), Brig Gen David Gonyi, Gen Muhoozi's clarion call came on Wednesday at the College of Logistics and Engineering (COLE) in Maga Maga, Mayuge District.
The retreat, held from 17 to 20 May under the theme "Enhancing Efficient Logistics Management and Maintenance Systems in the UPDF," was conducted under the auspices of the Joint Staff Logistics.
Speaking on behalf of the CDF, Brig Gen Gonyi thanked participants and organisers for successfully conducting the retreat, describing the theme as timely, strategic and responsive to the changing nature of modern warfare.
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He noted that professional armed forces must operate under efficient logistics management systems, adding that the retreat had significantly contributed towards building a professional, modern and accountable UPDF anchored on sacrifice, commitment and discipline.
Brig Gen Gonyi emphasised that logistics was not the responsibility of a single service within the UPDF, but of the entire force.
Quoting military strategist Barrow, he stated: "Amateurs talk about tactics but professionals study logistics," urging logisticians to appreciate the critical role logistics plays in military campaigns.
"No military operation can succeed without reliable logistics support," he said.
Brig Gen Gonyi further reminded participants that the success of President Museveni's NRA liberation struggle was sustained through the availability of bullets, food and medicine, noting that the continuous supply of these necessities contributed to the liberation of Uganda.
He added that military successes within Uganda and in external operations, including missions in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia, largely depended on timely procurement systems, effective infrastructure and professionally managed logistics systems.
"Logisticians are custodians of operational sustainability," he said, adding that the success of any military force depended not only on combat strength but also on the strength of its logistics systems.
Referencing Napoleon Bonaparte's famous observation that "an army marches on its stomach," he said wars had been lost due to failure to sustain logistics support.
"If you don't feed the force, then it lacks the energy to move, because logistics is the backbone of any military capacity," he said.
Brig Gen Gonyi cautioned logisticians to continuously improve logistics management systems and strengthen maintenance culture within the institution.
He also encouraged continuous training, operational readiness and welfare improvement to enhance the capability of the UPDF.
Brig Gen Gonyi, however, expressed concern over existing logistics malpractices and abuse of logistical processes, warning that such acts sabotaged not only UPDF activities but also the Republic of Uganda, since the resources involved belonged to taxpayers.
He urged newly graduated logisticians, both officers and civilians, to become agents of change by serving with integrity, honesty and transparency, ensuring value for money, rejecting bribery, reporting corrupt practices, safeguarding logistics systems and remaining patriotic.
"Corruption in the UPDF is not only a crime but a threat to national security," he said, adding that firm action would be taken against individuals involved in corrupt tendencies.
"Any misuse of logistics is a betrayal to the force and country," he said, calling on logisticians to become defenders of accountability and transparency in the continued transformation of Uganda.
Brig Gen Gonyi identified several areas requiring collective attention, including strengthening accountability and transparency systems, eliminating misuse, leakages and corruption, embracing digitalisation of logistics systems, modernising and automating systems, and strengthening maintenance culture.
He concluded by urging participants to protect national interests above personal interests, saying the true test of the retreat would be reflected in closing gaps where leakages had occurred to realise effective and efficient logistics management systems.
The Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, Brig Gen Wycliffe Keita, said both logistics and training were essential for successful military operations.
"Logistics should remain at the centre of the UPDF and not on the periphery," he said, adding that logisticians were enablers of training and operational effectiveness.
The Deputy Inspector of the UPDF, Brig Gen Kagyenyi, said inspections were conducted to ensure plans were followed, ease commanders' work and maintain standards.
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The Joint Staff Logistics, Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba, commended the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs and the UPDF for supporting the training programme and pledged improved efficiency, accountability, digitalisation and modernisation of operational readiness systems.
He urged participants to establish logistics management systems that were achievable, accountable, transparent and honest.
The Under Secretary Logistics, Francis Kahirita, underscored the need for a review of food policy and value for money amid budget constraints.
"When we have constrained resources, we must think and get maximum value out of the available resources," he said, encouraging participants to prioritise institutional interests and address operational dilemmas responsibly.
The retreat concluded with the award of certificates to participants.
The function was also attended by the Commandant of COLE, Col Chris Kyanku; Director Planning and Policy, Col Achille; Representative of Joint Staff Finance, Lt Col Kaggwa; Service Brigade Commanders; Service Directors of Logistics; UPDF senior and junior officers; and staff of the College of Logistics and Engineering.
