UGANDA, Kikuube | Real Muloodi News | The Ugandan government has recently completed the construction of 60 modern housing units for its soldiers in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Ngurwe Village, Kyangwali Sub-county, Kikuube District.
This initiative, spearheaded by the acting deputy commander for land forces Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa is part of a broader project aiming to build 30,000 housing units for various army barracks.
During the commissioning ceremony, Maj. Gen. Takirwa emphasized the importance of UPDF officers preparing for their retirement by investing in private residences.
While acknowledging the government’s commitment to providing decent accommodation, he urged officers to work towards constructing their homes, emphasizing the impermanence of military housing.
He stated, “You need to prepare so that you do not retire to Maama yingiya pole (makeshift structure). If we have condemned it [grass-thatched huts] today, nobody should go to it again.”
The project, which began in July 2022 and cost approximately shillings 4.2 billion, was funded by the government.
Lt. Benard Ekaju, the head of the SFC civil engineering regiment, highlighted that each housing unit carries a cost of shillings 71 million.
The construction aimed to provide modern, comfortable housing for UPDF officers who had previously lived in grass-thatched, mud, and wattle houses.
Ekaju praised the government for the initiative, noting that the new housing units would significantly improve the health and living conditions of the soldiers.
However, he pointed out challenges in the form of a lack of safe water and electricity in the area. He urged the Kikuube District local government to address these issues to ensure the well-being of both the local community and the soldiers.
Amlan Tumusiime, the Kikuube District Resident Commissioner, commended UPDF for delivering quality work and improving the soldiers’ living conditions.
Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga, the division commander, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for fulfilling promises to enhance the welfare of army officers.
He highlighted that the Kikuube project was the third to be commissioned recently, following similar initiatives in Kakiri Army Barracks (Wakiso District) and Songo Bay (Kyotera District).
Despite the success of the housing project, the region faces challenges related to water scarcity. Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga encouraged the leadership of the 303 infantry brigade to devise measures to harvest water from the housing units for domestic use.
Peter Banura, the Kikuube District chairperson, praised the government for its commitment to constructing modern housing for soldiers.
He pledged to lobby the ministries of water and energy to secure support for constructing water sources and extending electricity infrastructure to the area, addressing the water and electricity challenges faced by the community and soldiers alike.
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