UPDF HR Officers Urged on Integrity

The Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, has called on human resource officers across the force to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability, adding that their role is critical as custodians of the institution’s human capital.

Lt Gen Bakasumba delivered the remarks while presiding over the closing ceremony of the inaugural Joint Staff Human Resource Management retreat, a two-day engagement held at the Defence Intelligence and Security Headquarters.

Addressing participants, Lt Gen Bakasumba underscored the importance of ethical leadership and collective responsibility in strengthening the UPDF’s administrative systems.

“Let us all maintain a shared sense of purpose and responsibility as we combine efforts to make sure we set things right. Do not be afraid to do what is right,” he said.

Lt Gen Bakasumba further urged officers to remain proactive, exercise sound judgment, and consistently act in the best interest of the institution, noting that the effectiveness of the army significantly depends on the competence and dedication of its personnel managers.

“The army survives more on your readiness and capability as managers of personnel, so do what is expected of you whether there’s someone watching or not. Try hard to keep a clean name and use whatever knowledge you have only to do good,” he said.

Lt Gen Bakasumba also encouraged participants to operationalize the knowledge and insights gained during the retreat by sharing best practices within their respective units, with the aim of enhancing personnel administration across the force.

In his remarks, Major General James Kinalwa, representing Joint Staff Human Resource Management, said the retreat was convened in response to persistent administrative challenges within the UPDF and aimed at strengthening the capacity of human resource officers.

“This retreat was initiated and convened against a backdrop of several related challenges within our Human Resource Management, so that we can share ideas on how to resolve these persistent issues,” he said.

Maj Gen Kinalwa noted that the retreat yielded several resolutions, with participants committing to translate discussions into actionable reforms.

“We pledge to translate this knowledge into action and become more effective and responsive to the needs of the personnel we serve,” he said.

Maj Gen Kinalwa also commended the UPDF leadership, particularly Lt Gen Bakasumba, for their continued support and commitment to institutional development.

“Your presence here today is a strong demonstration of the support that the leadership has rendered to us and their commitment in making this retreat a success,” he said.

During the opening session, Maj Gen Kinalwa noted the central role of human resource management in the UPDF’s overall effectiveness, stressing that the institution’s strength lies not only in its operational capability but also in how well it manages and develops its personnel.

“The strength of UPDF entirely lies not in its operational capability but in how well it manages, supports and develops its people. As human resource, we play a vital role in the UPDF and we are the backbone of the institution,” he said.

Maj Gen Kinalwa added that human resource officers are instrumental in key functions such as recruitment, training recommendations, career progression, and deployment, all of which require continuous alignment through structured engagements like the retreat.

The retreat brought together senior military leaders, including Generals, Directors, Division and Brigade Administrative Officers, Records Officers, as well as representatives from training schools, formations, and independent units, reflecting a broad-based commitment to strengthening human resource management within the UPDF.