President Yoweri Museveni commissioned two new Special Forces Command dormitory blocks accommodating 518 people in Nakasero.
President Yoweri Museveni officially opened new residential infrastructure for the Special Forces Command at Nakasero, describing the investment as part of efforts to improve the welfare, discipline and operational readiness of Uganda’s armed forces. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces emphasized that security institutions must prioritize essentials and develop according to their means.
Nakasero Dormitory Project Timeline and Capacity
The newly unveiled residential project adds two dormitory blocks designed to house 518 people. According to State House Comptroller Jane Barekye, the project started in 2023 and was completed in 2025. Ms. Barekye thanked the President for entrusting the State House with the project and providing the resources required to complete it. She credited the successful completion of the project to teamwork among the State House Estates Department, consultants, contractors and SFC personnel.
The Estates Department provided technical supervision, while consultants led by Prof. John Stanley Ralph Senfuma were responsible for quality monitoring and ensuring timely delivery. Gen. Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru welcomed the President on behalf of the command, noting that better accommodation contributes to the morale and effectiveness of the force. Maj. Gen. Nyakikuru asked the personnel who will live in the blocks to look after and maintain them.
Local Labor and Technical Standards
Technical adviser Prof. John Stanley Ralph Senfuma addressed construction standards during the event. He stressed that the construction was done entirely by Ugandans, 100 percent, stating that people can work if they have proper management.
“We have not compromised on the quality because our objective is to deliver work of a quality that should not shame you for having tasked us to do it.” – Prof. John Stanley Ralph Senfuma
Prof. Senfuma noted that the team had been asked to improve soldiers’ living conditions while meeting the required standards. He added that the facilities would need regular maintenance and proper budgeting, because even well-built structures need consistent upkeep.
Military Doctrine and Resource Prioritization
President Museveni used the ceremony to reflect on the founding principles of the National Resistance Army, stating that institutions should prioritise what is most essential and develop according to their means. Quoting a Banyankole proverb to illustrate institutional planning, the President said, The shape of the head determines the hairstyle.
“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.” – President Yoweri Museveni
Recalling the early days of the armed struggle when the force had only 27 guns while facing an army of about 60,000 soldiers, Museveni explained that the NRA instead prioritised weapons and training, while welfare was progressively improved as resources became available. He noted that what a soldier needs, apart from food and some clothes, is weapons and training, and even if that is all you have, you can still fight.
Strategic Infrastructure and Modern Capabilities
Beyond basic welfare, the President noted that the force had over time faced corruption and stressed the importance of ensuring that soldiers and commanders are properly accommodated in organised facilities. He credited Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba with supporting efforts to channel resources towards military infrastructure, noting that he would get money used for operations and instead use it to build barracks. Museveni also stated that accommodating soldiers together had a strategic dimension during times of conflict. Maj. Gen. Nyakikuru noted that the Special Forces Command is also investing in technology, command centres, situational awareness, coordination and decision-making systems.
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