Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has issued a directive banning the provision of allowances and renting accommodations to soldiers on guard duties. The decision comes in response to the recent tragic incident where State Minister of Labour, Colonel Charles Okello Engola, was killed by his bodyguard.
President Museveni expressed concerns over the financial burden associated with providing allowances and accommodations to military guards. He emphasized the need for a more cost-effective approach in order to maintain a strong defense force while ensuring the country’s financial stability.
Under the new directive, soldiers on guard duties will only be supplied with essential provisions such as food and tents from the guard battalion. President Museveni highlighted the existing practice of soldiers receiving a modest pay while stationed in barracks, which they share with their families. When deployed on duty, they will be provided with food instead of monetary allowances.
The President argued that the current allowance system risks turning soldiers into mercenaries and undermines the fundamental principles of Uganda’s military doctrine. He further questioned the fairness of providing allowances to bodyguards while soldiers serving in other regions, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, do not receive similar benefits.
President Museveni emphasized that the financial resources of the country are not yet sufficient to sustain the current allowance system. He urged a shift in mentality, focusing on the core principles of military service rather than monetary incentives.
This directive, aimed at preventing the militarization of personal security and ensuring the financial stability of the nation, marks a significant change in the way soldiers on guard duties will be remunerated in Uganda.
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