“Death Is Certain,” UPDF Officers Told to Prepare Wills

(Mbuya) – Maj Gen Bob Ogiki, who oversees Joint Staff Policy and Planning in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has highlighted the vital contributions of the UPDF’s legal team. He specifically praised their role in developing critical legislation, including the UPDF Establishment 2021 and the UPDF Amendment Bill 2024. Additionally, Maj Gen Ogiki noted the establishment of Land Offices at the divisional level as another significant achievement.

Reflecting on the growth of the UPDF’s Legal Department, Maj Gen Ogiki pointed out that it has expanded from just five officers in 1986 to a full battalion today. He emphasized how this department has positively impacted the UPDF, particularly in encouraging officers to write wills. This initiative has significantly reduced the challenges faced by the army in handling the estates of deceased officers. Maj Gen Ogiki urged all UPDF personnel without wills to prepare them, reminding them that “death is a matter of fact and something we should all be prepared for.”

Maj Gen Ogiki made these remarks during the handover ceremony of the Joint Staff Legal Services at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters in Mbuya. The ceremony marked the transition of leadership from Brig Gen Prof Godard Busingye to Brig Gen Moses Wandera. Maj Gen Ogiki commended Brig Gen Busingye for his outstanding service, particularly for maintaining well-documented and preserved records during his tenure.

During his speech, Maj Gen Ogiki advised Brig Gen Wandera to focus on the development of his subordinate staff, stating that leadership is about preparing others for the future. “A good leader is not for leading men, but for leading men for tomorrow,” he remarked.

Brig Gen Prof Busingye, in his farewell message, encouraged Brig Gen Wandera to work closely with his colleagues, reminding him that teamwork would ease his responsibilities. “If you have colleagues, you assign them; you don’t have to break so much,” Brig Gen Busingye stated.

In response, Brig Gen Wandera expressed his gratitude for the appointment and acknowledged the significance of his new role. “Since 1986, I now become the fifth Joint Staff Legal Services head in the history of this country and the UPDF,” he said. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, transparency, and open communication, urging his staff to continue working together as they had done under Brig Gen Busingye’s leadership.

The event was attended by several senior officers, including Brig Gen Julius Mbaine, Brig Gen Robert Freeman Mugabe, Brig Gen Richard Tukachugurwa, and other key figures from Legal Services.