Brigadier General Michael Kabango, Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College (SC) Kimaka, on behalf of the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, officially opened the 2nd Annual UPDF Senior Logistics Leaders Retreat 2026 today at the College of Logistics and Engineering (COLE) in Maga Maga, Mayuge District.
The three-day retreat, running from May 17 to 20, is themed “Enhancing Efficient Logistics Management and Maintenance Systems in UPDF”, and brings together senior logisticians, service directors, and civilians involved in military logistics. The event aims to strengthen operational sustainability through improved logistics management and accountability.
In his opening remarks, Brig Gen Kabango praised participants for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to strengthening UPDF logistics and engineering systems. “Efficiency of armed forces isn’t only measured by personalities but also the continuous availability of resources or logistics,” he emphasized. He added that logistics is the lifeblood of military operations and urged personnel to respect and improve logistics systems across all formations and units.
He encouraged participants to enhance fleet management, streamline procurement and disposal processes, address inefficiencies and wastage, adopt modern logistics technologies, and uphold integrity and accountability in all their work. “You are custodians of operational sustainability. Improving logistics must remain a continuous effort,” he said.
Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba, Joint Staff Logistics, also highlighted the critical role of logistics in military success, noting that supply gaps often determine the outcome of conflicts. He credited UPDF’s operations in Liberia, South Sudan, the DRC, and domestic missions to effective logistics systems. He urged logisticians to manage resources honestly and confront challenges with trust, loyalty, and professionalism.
The Commandant of COLE, Col Chris Kyanku, welcomed participants and outlined the major components of military logistics, including procurement and disposal, transport, maintenance, warehousing, finance, catering, and petroleum, oil, and lubricants management. He commended the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF for supporting the college, which is now emphasizing both academic excellence and infrastructural development.
The retreat provides a platform for sharing experiences, identifying gaps, and developing strategies to ensure operational sustainability in Uganda’s military forces. Participants are expected to come away with actionable plans to strengthen logistics management, improve accountability, and eliminate misuse of resources.
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