Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced plans to dissolve the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), saying all its functions, budgets and responsibilities will immediately be taken over by Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).
Gen Muhoozi made the announcement in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, where he said the changes would take effect immediately. He did not provide details on the legal or administrative process that will be followed to formally dissolve the organisation.
The announcement puts PACEID, which has been involved in promoting exports, industrial development and investment, at the centre of a major institutional change. Under the new arrangement announced by Gen Muhoozi, OWC will assume the responsibilities and resources previously handled by PACEID.
Gen Muhoozi also said the status of PACEID chairman Odrek Rwabwogo was still being discussed. Rwabwogo has been a prominent figure in the committee and has been involved in efforts to promote Uganda’s exports and industrial development.
In his post, Gen Muhoozi further warned that action would also be taken against what he referred to as “Brothers in law”, suggesting that individuals who may have benefited from their connections or positions would also face disciplinary measures.
The CDF also directed the Ministry of Finance to redirect $14 million that he claimed had been intended for Odrek to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). He said the money should instead be used to improve accommodation for soldiers.
“We will build more accommodation for soldiers with it,” Gen Muhoozi said.
The announcement comes amid growing debate over the management of public resources, government agencies and institutions involved in economic development. The proposed transfer of PACEID’s functions to OWC could therefore lead to significant changes in how programmes supporting exports, industry and investment are implemented.
However, Gen Muhoozi’s post did not provide further details on the $14 million allocation, including the purpose of the funds, whether they had already been approved or released, or the specific process through which the money would be redirected.
The status of Rwabwogo and the future of PACEID are therefore expected to attract further attention as government authorities consider the changes announced by the CDF
