The Commander of the Reserve Force of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany, has commended Regional Reserve Force Commanders for their dedication and service, calling for stronger coordination and leadership to enhance the effectiveness of the force.
Lt. Gen. Otema made the remarks during a high-level meeting of Regional Reserve Force Commanders held at the Directorate of Veteran Affairs offices in the Postel Building. The meeting brought together commanders from across the country to review operational readiness, coordination, and the overall performance of reserve units.
Otema urged the commanders to strengthen teamwork, accountability, and proactive leadership to ensure the Reserve Force effectively carries out its mandate. “The Reserve Force remains an important pillar of national security and plays a critical role in supporting Uganda’s socio-economic transformation,” Lt Gen Otema said.
He emphasised that beyond its core responsibilities as provided for under the UPDF Act 2025 and the UPDF Establishment 2021, the Reserve Force contributes to community stability and national development initiatives.
Lt. Gen. Otema stressed the need to maintain high standards of discipline, readiness, and professionalism among reservists. He called on the commanders to prioritise continuous training, proper management, and follow-up of reservists in their communities, as well as effective mobilisation planning to ensure reserve units can respond swiftly to emerging security needs.
He underscored the importance of strengthening coordination between reserve units and regular UPDF forces, while encouraging commanders to work closely with local authorities and communities to promote security and stability. He further urged them to benchmark from existing veteran SACCO initiatives to improve welfare among reservists.
The Chief of Staff of the Reserve Force, Brigadier General Mwanje Ssekiranda observed that reservists continue to play a crucial role in supporting government development programmes, particularly Operation Wealth Creation.
Ssekiranda explained that the Reserve Force’s nationwide presence and structured command system enable it to effectively support the implementation of government programmes at the grassroots level. “In the current phase of Operation Wealth Creation, the Reserve Force is actively supporting initiatives aimed at promoting agro-industrialisation and local economic development,” he said.
He said the programme has strengthened wealth creation by promoting agricultural value chains, tourism, and industry while bringing together local governments, cooperatives, nucleus farmers, and the private sector to support investment, increase productivity, and improve household incomes.
The meeting attracted other Senior and Junior Officers of the UPDF.