The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has commissioned its 16th Defence Forces Shop branch at Katabi Barracks in Entebbe. The facility offers soldiers access to household goods and construction materials at prices below those found in regular markets, as part of a wider push to improve military personnel welfare.
Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding, who opened the shop, said the facilities were designed to reduce soldiers' cost of living by providing quality goods at discounted rates. He argued that soldiers' wellbeing was essential to military effectiveness, stating that personnel needed peace of mind to perform effectively in demanding roles. The Katabi branch stocks cement, roofing sheets, water tanks, steel bars, paint, soap and nails, among other building supplies.
Defence Forces Shop Uganda Limited General Manager Col Deus Taremwa said the product range was chosen to serve soldiers of all ranks and that operations would depend on partnerships with suppliers while maintaining value for money. Air Force Commander Lt Gen Charles Okidi emphasized that supporting soldiers and their families was part of the military's broader responsibilities beyond combat and national defence.
Okiding urged military officers overseeing the shops to maintain strong supervision and accountability to keep the facilities functioning properly. Lt Gen Charles Okidi similarly cautioned against officials exploiting soldier welfare programmes for personal benefit and called for transparent business practices. Suppliers represented at the launch included Uganda Clays Limited, Roofings Uganda Limited, Steel and Tube Industries, Kinyara Sugar Limited, Simba Cement and Hima Cement.