The Commander of the Reserve Force of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Lieutenant General Charles Otema Awany, has commended regional reserve force commanders for their dedication and service, while urging stronger coordination and leadership to improve the force’s effectiveness.
Otema made the remarks during a high-level meeting of regional reserve force commanders at the Directorate of Veteran Affairs headquarters in the Postel Building. The gathering brought together commanders from across the country to review operational readiness, coordination, and the overall performance of reserve units.
During the meeting, Otema emphasised the need for teamwork, accountability, and proactive leadership to ensure the Reserve Force effectively fulfils its mandate.
“The Reserve Force remains an important pillar of national security and plays a critical role in supporting Uganda’s socio-economic transformation,” he said.
He noted that beyond its core responsibilities under the UPDF Act 2025 and the UPDF Establishment 2021, the Reserve Force contributes significantly to community stability and national development initiatives.
Otema stressed maintaining high standards of discipline, readiness, and professionalism among reservists. He called on commanders to prioritise continuous training, proper management and follow-up of reservists in their communities, as well as effective mobilisation planning to ensure reserve units can respond swiftly to emerging security needs.
He further highlighted the importance of close coordination between reserve units and regular UPDF forces, and encouraged commanders to work with local authorities and communities to promote security and stability. Otema also advised benchmarking from existing veteran SACCO initiatives to improve reservist welfare.
The Chief of Staff of the Reserve Force, Brigadier General Mwanje Ssekiranda, noted that reservists continue to play a crucial role in supporting government development programmes, particularly Operation Wealth Creation.
Ssekiranda explained that the Reserve Force’s nationwide presence and structured command system enable it to effectively support government programmes at the grassroots level.
“In the current phase of Operation Wealth Creation, the Reserve Force is actively supporting initiatives aimed at promoting agro-industrialisation and local economic development,” he said.
He added that the programme has strengthened wealth creation by promoting agricultural value chains, tourism, and industry, while bringing together local governments, cooperatives, nucleus farmers, and the private sector to boost investment, productivity, and household incomes.
The meeting was attended by senior and junior officers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.
