KAMPALA – The Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi has asked soldiers to use put into proper use, a Presidential Support Fund for organized and registered UPDF spouses’ groups.
Gen Muhoozi was meeting UPDF senior leaders at the Army Headquarters in Mbuya.
He said that the fund is a result of the President’s recent observation that UPDF spouses needed support to develop themselves.
“Let us be more united by enforcing accountability. Put systems in place to have who to blame and who to credit,” Gen Muhoozi said.
UPDF Land Forces Chief of Staff Gen Leopold Kyanda urged members to inject the money into small income-generating activities like poultry, apiary, and piggery; so that they can benefit from the accrued profits.
“This is an important initiative. Make the best of it by maintaining its purpose of increasing incomes among wives of soldiers,” he said.
The UPDF Chief Political Commissar Brig Gen Henry Masiko noted that the fund will widen employment opportunities and improve the quality of life of both UPDF spouses and their children.
The fund will benefit all UPDF spouses in the formations and units.
Members at the meeting received Policy Guideline Manuals to ease their operations and agreed to pay a small interest on each accessed loan to ensure continuity and survival of the project.
Mrs. Rebecca Mugume, the head of the UPDF Spouses Desk, reported that the money will be accessed at the respective formations and units, adding that management committees have been formed to guard against any inconsistencies.
The meeting was attended by Commanders with their Political Commissars from Services, Divisions, Specialised and Independent Units as well as representatives of spouses among others.
