A high-level delegation from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recently visited the Defence Forces Welfare Services (DEFWES) in Nairobi, Kenya, to explore and learn from Kenya’s welfare systems for military personnel and their families. The visit, which took place at the DEFWES headquarters located at Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, was aimed at enhancing the UPDF’s own welfare services by sharing best practices in areas such as housing, healthcare, education, and post-service support.
The delegation was led by Major General Francis Takirwa, the Deputy Commander of the Land Force, and warmly received by Brigadier Peter Limo, the Managing Director of DEFWES. The discussions revolved around how both nations could deepen cooperation and exchange insights into the structures and operational frameworks that support military personnel.
Brigadier Limo took the Ugandan team through Kenya’s holistic welfare approach, highlighting initiatives like veteran support programs, cooperative societies, and income-generating projects that aim to improve the livelihoods of service members and their families. The Ugandan delegation also met with Major General Bernard Waliaula, Commander of the Kenya Air Force, who encouraged them to identify and incorporate effective practices that could elevate the welfare services in the UPDF.
As part of the visit, the team toured various DEFWES facilities, including the headquarters warehouse and the DEFWES Mall in Embakasi. These visits provided the delegation with a first-hand look at the organization’s operational structure and service delivery mechanisms.
Major General Takirwa expressed his gratitude for the knowledge shared during the visit, praising the Kenya Defence Forces for their structured and innovative approach to welfare management. He stressed the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening the support systems for military personnel across East Africa. “We are thankful to the leadership of DEFWES for their openness in sharing their valuable experiences. This visit will greatly inform the enhancement of our own welfare programs,” he stated.
The delegation was made up of several key members, including Brigadier General Mc Kamugira, Uganda’s Defence Attaché to Kenya, Brigadier General Metland Bitumbika, General Manager of Defence Force Shop Uganda Limited (DEFSUL), and Major Seth Ngabirano, DEFSUL Company Secretary.
Through this visit, the UPDF continues its efforts to improve the well-being of its personnel, drawing on regional best practices and strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and Kenya.
