The Joint Chief of Staff Major General Leopold Kyanda has noted that the establishment of the Office of the Coordinator National Vital Assets and Strategic Installations comes at a time when the government needs to protect all its vital assets and strategic installations and fill the gaps that expose the country to potential harm.
He made the remarks during the assumption of office by Maj Gen Moses Rwakitarate that was held at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters, Mbuya. The new office comes at the heels of the launch of the UPDF Establishment 2021 by the President of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief.
Maj Gen Kyanda explained that since the UPDF is the vanguard of the revolution, the Office Coordinator National Vital Assets and Strategic Installations has a direct linkage with the Government, and there is no better person than a UPDF General to manage the new office. “Coordination touches both the Government and private sector and also synchronizes both as it looks out for the grey areas. Maj Gen Rwakitarate will lead a team that will sort out the grey areas to avoid duplication. They will take stock of all vital assets and installations the country has and plan better for their security,” said Maj Gen Kyanda
“National security impacts both government and private sector. The oil resource, for example, is coming up, understand it better and know how to deal with it,” Maj Gen Kyanda urged Maj Gen Rwakitarate.
He called on Maj Gen Rwakitarate to be keen on and guard against negative things like strikes that might paralyse the situation. “Ensure teamwork and regular meetings to ensure the new office bearers deliver as individuals and as a team.”
The responsibility of the Coordinator National Vital Assets and Strategic Installations covers all vital installations in the country such as Uganda Revenue Authority, National Identification Registration Authority, Uganda Wildlife Authority, bridges and dams, Oil and Gas installations, Electricity Generation, Transmission and Distribution. Others include the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, National game parks, hotels, airports, water bodies, health facilities, and security installations.
Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda (C) and Maj Gen Moses Rwakitarate (2L) in a group photo with Generals and other senior officers at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs
Present at the function were: Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba, Brig Gen James Kinalwa, Brig Gen Abdul Rugumayo, and Senior Officers from government bodies among others.