The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Unit Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee has concluded a five-day inspection of units under the Special Forces Command (SFC) to assess how spouses are utilising loans disbursed under the Presidential Support Fund (PSF).
The inspection, led by Col Night Ikiriza, Head of Administration at SFC and the UPDF’s newly elected representative in Parliament, commended spouses who have effectively invested the funds to expand businesses and improve household incomes.
According to the committee’s findings, many beneficiaries have established and grown income-generating ventures including piggery, cattle and goat rearing, poultry farming, mobile money services, retail shops, groceries, boutiques and boda boda operations.
The Presidential Support Fund programme was initiated by President Yoweri Museveni to economically empower spouses of UPDF personnel and strengthen household financial stability.
Ikiriza, who also chairs the PSF, said the inspection revealed that the initiative has had a positive impact in promoting financial independence among military families.
“These investments demonstrate that when resources are properly managed, families can significantly improve their livelihoods,” she said.
However, the committee raised concerns over some units that failed to utilise the funds appropriately or delayed loan repayments. Ikiriza emphasised the importance of accountability and leadership involvement in ensuring the sustainability of the programme.
“The Presidential Support Fund is a command-led initiative designed to uplift families. Timely repayment and proper investment are essential to sustaining trust in the scheme and ensuring that more spouses can benefit,” she said.
She urged unit commanders and administrative teams to take a more proactive role in supervising and guiding implementation efforts, while encouraging broader participation across all ranks.
The committee observed low uptake of the programme among spouses of senior officers and recommended their inclusion, stressing that the initiative is intended to benefit all spouses regardless of rank.
Some beneficiaries were also noted to be hesitant to embrace the opportunity.
Additionally, the committee highlighted that spouses who remain economically inactive often rely entirely on their partners for financial support, a situation that may contribute to domestic strain.
In recognition of disciplined groups that invested wisely and repaid their loans on schedule, the committee pledged to allocate additional funds to enable further business expansion.
The UPDF says it remains committed to strengthening economic empowerment among its families through continued monitoring and oversight of the Presidential Support Fund programme.
