Uganda strengthens protection of national assets with new security office

This development was highlighted by the Joint Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda, during the formal assumption of office by Major General Moses Rwakitarate at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters in Mbuya.

Maj. Gen. Kyanda emphasized the critical timing of the new office's establishment, underscoring the government's priority to protect its vital assets and strategic installations amidst growing threats and vulnerabilities.

The initiative follows closely on the heels of the UPDF Establishment 2021, launched by the President of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief, signifying a concerted effort to reinforce Uganda's security infrastructure.

Describing the UPDF as the "vanguard of the revolution," Gen. Kyanda pointed out the direct linkage between the new office and the government, asserting the indispensability of a UPDF General's leadership in this crucial role.

He elaborated on the office's mission to coordinate between the government and the private sector, identifying and addressing grey areas to prevent duplication and to comprehensively catalog and enhance the security of national assets and strategic installations.

Gen. Kyanda tasked Gen. Rwakitarate with the leadership of this pivotal office, urging him to focus on critical sectors such as the emerging oil resource and to foster teamwork and regular meetings to ensure the office's effectiveness.

He also stressed the importance of vigilance against disruptive activities like strikes, which could jeopardize national security.

The scope of responsibility for the Coordinator National Vital Assets and Strategic Installations is extensive, covering all vital installations across the country, including the Uganda Revenue Authority, National Identification Registration Authority, Uganda Wildlife Authority, and key infrastructure such as bridges, dams, oil and gas installations, and electricity generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. Other critical areas include the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, national game parks, hotels, airports, water bodies, health facilities, and security installations.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several senior officers and government officials, including Brigadier Generals Godwin Karugaba, James Kinalwa, and Abdul Rugumayo, highlighting the broad support and collaborative effort towards enhancing Uganda's national security framework.