Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has commended the UPDF Engineering Brigade for its progress in constructing the new Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA) and UPDF headquarters, with the landmark project now 87% complete.
Gen Kainerugaba made the remarks on Monday during a site inspection at Mbuya, Kampala, where he toured the twin-tower complex and assessed the progress of construction ahead of its anticipated commissioning in December 2026.
The CDF praised the engineers and construction personnel for their commitment to delivering the project, assuring them that their efforts would be recognised once the facility is completed and handed over.
The entire complex is being constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, with works officially commencing in August 2024.
The project is intended to address longstanding challenges arising from fragmented and outdated office facilities by establishing a consolidated command and administrative hub for Uganda’s defence establishment.
At previous project milestones, Gen Kainerugaba emphasised that providing the Ministry of Defence with modern and suitable infrastructure would contribute to greater operational efficiency, coordination and faster decision-making within the country’s defence architecture.
The new facility has been designed to bring together civilian leadership at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the operational military command under one modern complex.
According to the Defence Press Unit, the headquarters will feature advanced communication hubs, high-tech command installations and digital operational systems, reflecting the growing importance of technology in modern military operations.
Security infrastructure at the complex has also been strengthened, including a two-kilometre perimeter fence, modernised quarter guards and dedicated alternative access routes.
The project was initially expected to take longer to complete, but construction gained momentum following directives from Gen Kainerugaba to accelerate implementation while maintaining required quality standards.
Once commissioned, the new headquarters will replace several outdated administrative units currently operating on Mbuya Hill and provide a unified base for Uganda’s military command and defence administration.
During Monday’s inspection, Gen Kainerugaba was guided through the project by lead engineers Col James Lwegaba, Joint Staff Engineering; Col Robert Chabo, Project Engineer; and Capt Kikomeko Kigongo, the site engineer.
The inspection was also attended by UPDF Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, MoDVA Undersecretary Edith Butuuro, and other senior UPDF and ministry officials.
With construction now at 87%, the project is entering its final phase as the UPDF works towards completing and commissioning the facility in December.
