President Yoweri Museveni Commissions New SFC Accommodation Facilities in Nakasero.
By Okidi Patrick Ocamoyitdyel
KAMPALA — President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned new accommodation facilities for personnel of the Special Forces Command (SFC) at Nakasero in Kampala, saying improved housing is critical for troop welfare, discipline and operational readiness.
The President commissioned two dormitory blocks on September 16, 2026. The facilities, constructed between 2023 and 2025, can accommodate 518 personnel.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, said the investment reflects a principle that has guided the National Resistance Army since its early days — prioritising what is most essential and developing according to available means.
Quoting a Banyankole proverb, he said: “The shape of the head determines the hairstyle”.
President Museveni recalled that the NRA started its armed struggle with only 27 guns against an army of about 60,000 soldiers, and had to prioritise weapons and training over welfare due to limited resources.
“That is why we did not make the mistake of the old armies of Amin and Obote. They started with remuneration, paying soldiers very well and building barracks for them,” he said. “What a soldier needs, apart from food and some clothes, is weapons and training. Even if that is all you have, you can still fight”.
He said government now has more resources to address accommodation, noting that housing soldiers together in organised facilities also has a strategic dimension, especially during conflict.
The President credited Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for supporting efforts to channel resources towards military infrastructure.
“He would get that money which was used for operations and instead use it to build barracks. We were always insisting that commanders must stay in the barracks,” he said.
State House Comptroller, Ms Jane Barekye, thanked the President for entrusting State House with the project and providing the resources to complete it in time.
“Thank you, Mzee, for believing in us to serve and for the support in terms of resources to deliver this assignment in time,” she said.
Ms Barekye said the project was delivered through teamwork between the State House Estates Department, which provided technical supervision, consultants led by Prof John Stanley Ralph Senfuma who monitored quality, contractors and SFC personnel.
The SFC Commander, Maj Gen Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, described the commissioning as an important milestone for the command, saying better accommodation will contribute to morale and professional effectiveness.
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