Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has commended the UPDF Engineering Brigade for its work on the construction of the new Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA) and UPDF headquarters, which is now 87 per cent complete.
Gen Kainerugaba made the remarks on Monday during a visit to the construction site at Mbuya in Kampala, where he met engineers and other personnel working on the project.
He praised the workforce for its commitment to the project and assured them that their efforts would be recognised when the facility is completed and handed over.
The project, which is being undertaken entirely by the UPDF Engineering Brigade, started in August 2024 and is expected to be commissioned in December.
The new complex is intended to address the long-standing challenge of fragmented office facilities and provide a centralised command and administrative hub for the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces.
Gen Kainerugaba has previously said improved working conditions at the defence ministry would enhance operational efficiency, coordination and decision-making.
The facility consists of twin towers designed to bring together the civilian leadership of the defence ministry and the military command.
It includes communication hubs, command facilities and digital systems intended to support military operations and coordination.
The project also includes enhanced security infrastructure, including a two-kilometre perimeter fence, upgraded quarter guards and alternative access routes.
Although the project was initially expected to take longer to complete, construction was accelerated following directives from Gen Kainerugaba, while maintaining the required quality standards.
Once commissioned, the complex will replace the existing administrative facilities on Mbuya Hill and provide a centralised base for the country’s defence administration and military command.
