We will address salary issues in the army – CDF

Mbadi, who made the remarks during the launch of the 3rd Annual Units’ Mobilisation of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) at 3rd Division headquarters in Moroto, said the army command is also looking into availing more accommodation units for soldiers.

He said there are plans to improve the army's health facilities, soldiers’ access to the Defence Forces duty-free shops and the gradual increment of their salaries.

The CDF’s revelation comes against the backdrop of public concern over the pay of security personnel following the shooting of former state minister for labour, employment, and industrial relations, Rtd. Col. Charles Okello Engola, by his bodyguard, Pte. Wilson Sabiiti.

Residents who witnessed the shooting at the minister’s residence in Kyanja said Sabiiti shouted on top of his voice his frustrations over the government’s delayed and poor pay.

The incident has since raised a debate among the public on the remuneration and general welfare of security personnel.

According to KFM, a Ugandan local radio station, Mbadi said the 3rd annual unit mobilisation exercise is aimed at increasing ideological awareness and securing frameworks that liberate the minds of officers, militants, defence workers, and families.

“We are here to enhance within the whole body of the UPDF our tested revolutionary methods of work in order to ensure an efficient and efficacious people's force, oriented on conscious discipline, following our Commander-in-Chief and President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s units tour in 2019,” he noted.

Mbadi urged the troops to refocus on the UPDF’s mandate, which is to defend and protect the people and territorial integrity of Uganda and to ensure the inviolability of the people’s rights, the rule of law, and good governance in order to facilitate prosperity.