Logistics Is The Centre Of Gravity Of Our Activities – Major General Kyanda

The Joint Chief of Staff, Major General Leopold Kyanda has underscored the unique role the Chieftaincy of Logistics and Engineering plays in providing support to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces military and peacetime operations in enabling forces for its mandate as provided for in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.

“Logistics is the heart and centre of gravity of our activities,” said Maj Gen Kyanda

Maj Gen Kyanda made the remarks as he presided over the handover/takeover of the office of the Chieftaincy of Logistics and Engineering from Brigadier General Charles Bakahumura to Brigadier General Godwin Karugaba that was held at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters, Mbuya.

The Joint Chief of Staff urged Brig Gen Bakahumura to embrace his diplomatic posting as it would expose him to a different world. He equally urged Brig Gen Karugaba to be prepared for the tasks at hand because a lot of hard work is expected from him.

Brig Gen Bakahumura thanked the Commander-in-Chief and the UPDF leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility for the last seven years as the Chief of Logistics and Engineering. “The trust, guidance and confidence extended to me during my tenure is highly appreciated,” as he equally thanked the staff he has worked with during his time in office.

He highlighted that under his tenure, there have been tremendous improvements in logistics management, resulting in operational efficiency and improvement in the welfare of officers and men of the UPDF.

“Despite the challenges that have often affected our obligations towards the fulfilment of our mandate, the Chieftaincy has registered tremendous achievements including effective logistical support to all UPDF internal operations and missions abroad,” said Brig Gen Bakahumura.

Brig Gen Bakahumura highlighted that during his tour of duty as the Chief of Logistics and Engineering, the following were achieved; improved fleet maintenance delivery and logistics staff development through various trainings at the College of Logistics and Engineering, School of Supplies and Transport, UPDF Polytechnics and Uganda Military Engineering Academy, Lugazi, and the construction of UPDF in-house fuel storage facilities.

Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba, the incoming acting Chief of Logistics and Engineering said he is privileged to accept the responsibility of leading the Chieftaincy. “I take this rare opportunity to thank the UPDF leadership for entrusting me with this responsibility and also to have given me a chance to develop in this career of logistics management,” said Brig Gen Karugaba.

Brig Gen Karugaba brings a wealth of experience to the Chieftaincy having served for over three decades in various capacities including but not limited to Director of Logistics, Commandant College of Logistics and Engineering, serving in Multi-National Forces and Missions, Chief of Staff Logistics EASF, Deputy Chief of Personnel and Administration and until recently Deputy of Chief of Logistics and Engineering.

Brigadier General Charles Bakahumura who was recently appointed as Uganda's Defence Attaché to Turkey has a wealth of 32 years of experience in security services in various capacities and environments, rising through the ranks to his current rank. 

From 2012 to 2017, he served as the Chief of Military Intelligence until his appointment as the Chief of Logistics and Engineering, a position he held for 7 years, becoming the longest-serving Chief in that capacity.

Brig Gen Bakahumura is a graduate of King's College London, United Kingdom, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in Defence Studies. He also holds a Master of Arts degree from Makerere University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree from the same University.