Africa-Press – Uganda. The Minister of State for Defence in charge of Veterans Affairs, Huda Abason, has commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineers Brigade for exceeding expectations in the construction of critical health and education infrastructure across Luwero District.
During an inspection and supervisory tour of ongoing projects in the district, Abason lauded the brigade’s professionalism and steady progress in delivering key public facilities. Among the projects inspected were Luweero General Hospital, Nabiswera HCIV General Ward, Ngoma HCIV doctors’ houses, Mazolidi College Nakaseke, and Wobulenzi Target Secondary School.
The Minister said the Engineers Brigade’s performance reflects the UPDF’s evolving mandate of contributing to national development beyond its traditional security role.
“The achievements of our soldiers clearly demonstrate the concept of ‘beyond the guns.’ In a stable country, the army must also play a transformative role in social and economic development,” she said.
She praised the Ministries of Health and Education for entrusting the UPDF Engineers Brigade with the projects and for extending its contract, citing the army’s professionalism, efficiency, and technical capability.
“We now have a professional army with diverse competencies. I encourage other ministries and government agencies to follow this example and leverage the army’s various professional capacities in delivering public services,” she added.
Abason also expressed appreciation to Yoweri Museveni and the leadership of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs for sustained efforts in professionalising the armed forces. She underscored the importance of continuous capacity building to ensure the UPDF remains responsive to global technological and developmental transformations.
The Minister emphasised that routine inspection and supervisory visits are essential for safeguarding accountability and ensuring public funds are utilised efficiently and transparently.
Speaking on behalf of the local community, the Deputy Head teacher of Mazolidi Secondary School, Alozius Bakusera, together with a community leader, expressed gratitude to the Ministry and the UPDF Engineers Brigade for their commitment to improving social infrastructure.
He noted that the initiative has strengthened civil-military relations and enhanced public trust in the armed forces over the past 45 years.
The ongoing projects in Luwero District form part of broader government efforts to expand access to quality healthcare and education services, particularly in underserved communities. Upon completion, the facilities are expected to ease congestion in existing institutions, improve service delivery, and contribute to the district’s socio-economic development.
