Senior logistics leaders of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have convened at the College of Logistics and Engineering (COLE) in Maga Maga, Mayuge District, for the 2nd Annual UPDF Senior Logistics Leaders Retreat 2026 aimed at strengthening efficiency, accountability and operational sustainability within the force.
The three-day retreat, running from May 17 to 20, 2026, under the theme, “Enhancing Efficient Logistics Management and Maintenance Systems in UPDF,” was officially opened by Brig Gen Michael Kabango, Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College (SC) Kimaka, on behalf of the Chief Joint Staff (CJS), Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba.
In his opening remarks, Brig Gen Kabango commended participants for their continued dedication, professionalism and commitment towards strengthening logistics and engineering systems within the UPDF, noting that the retreat comes at a time when modern militaries increasingly rely on competent logistics systems to sustain operations.
“Efficiency of armed forces isn’t only measured by personalities but also the continuous availability of resources or logistics,” he said.
Brig Gen Kabango emphasised that logistics remains the lifeblood of military systems and urged UPDF personnel to accord logistics the respect it deserves for the success of operations both within and outside Uganda.
“You are custodians of operational sustainability. Therefore, improving logistics effectively must remain continuous across all formations and units,” he said.
Brig Gen Kabango further encouraged participants to strengthen and safeguard the logistics system by adopting sound budgeting and planning processes, improving fleet management, streamlining procurement and disposal systems, addressing wastage and inefficiencies in supplies, and incorporating modern logistics and engineering systems into their work.
“I urge you to engage with professionalism and honesty during the retreat. Discussions should contribute towards strengthening logistics management and accountability systems within the UPDF,” he said.
Brig Gen Kabango also called on participants to share experiences that are central to the UPDF, stressing that integrity and accountability must guide the actions of logisticians because logistics management is an operational necessity.
Addressing the retreat, Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba, Joint Staff Logistics, urged participants to use the forum to critically examine logistical gaps within the UPDF.
“Logistics is the backbone for any military success. And most wars are lost because of supply gaps,” he said.
Brig Gen Karugaba acknowledged that the success of UPDF operations in Liberia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and internal operations has largely been attributed to effective logistics systems.
Brig Gen Karugaba cautioned logisticians against the mismanagement of limited resources and urged them to confront existing challenges with honesty, trust, confidence and loyalty in order to bridge supply gaps within the force.
According to him, the retreat theme strongly aligns with efforts aimed at improving equipment maintenance, strengthening anti-corruption measures, enhancing transport and fleet management, streamlining accounting systems, and advancing strategic logistics management.
Brig Gen Karugaba added that eliminating logistics misuse, avoiding controversy and promoting openness should be among the key outcomes of the 2026 retreat.
“This comprehensive retreat should mark a turning point in logistics,” he said.
The Commandant of COLE, Col Chris Kyanku, welcomed the senior logisticians and highlighted the major components of military logistics, including procurement and disposal, warehousing, transport and maintenance, catering, finance, and petroleum, oil and lubricants, among other general supplies.
Col Kyanku also commended the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF for supporting the College, adding that the institution is now focusing on academic performance and infrastructural development.
He noted that military sustainability courses offered at the College are streamlining officers for deployment in today’s contemporary operational environment.
The retreat has brought together Senior Service Directors from different services, Logistics Officers from specialised units, and civilian personnel responsible for logistics management across various UPDF units and formations.
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