Kampala – Maj Gen Moses Rwakitarate has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Implementation Committee for the Uganda National Military Museum. He takes over from Maj Gen Henry Masiko, who previously led the project team. The handover ceremony took place today at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.
Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff, praised the project team’s efforts in establishing the museum. He highlighted the museum’s dual role in preserving Uganda’s history and generating revenue through tourism. “The museum will not only tell the history of our country, but also be a source of revenue for the UPDF in form of tourism,” Maj Gen Bakasumba stated. He pledged his full support to the new team and emphasized the expectation for a high-quality museum that meets international standards.
Historical Showcase
Maj Gen Masiko, the outgoing project team chairperson, reported significant progress. The museum is set to display Uganda’s military history from colonial times to the present, including the National Resistance Army and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF). The museum will be strategically located in Katonga, along the Masaka-Kampala Highway, a site of historic importance due to its association with liberation battles.
New Leadership and Vision
Maj Gen Rwakitarate, the new chairperson, acknowledged the foundational efforts of the project’s initiators, particularly the late Lt Gen Pecos Kutesa. He expressed his commitment to advancing the project and called for support from all UPDF members to ensure the museum’s success. “We honor the vision of our founders and pledge to build a museum that honors our history and serves as an educational resource,” he stated.
Attendees and Support
The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Director of Political Education Land Force, Col Anatoli Nuwagira, Col Okei Rukogota, and Ms. Harriet Nabunya, among other senior UPDF officers.
Summary Table of Key Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| New Committee Chair | Maj Gen Moses Rwakitarate |
| Outgoing Chair | Maj Gen Henry Masiko |
| Location of Museum | Katonga, along the Masaka-Kampala Highway |
| Historical Coverage | Uganda’s military history from colonial times to present, including the NRA and UPDF |
| Support from | Chief of Joint Staff, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba |
| Founding Initiative by | The late Lt Gen Pecos Kutesa |
| Attendees at Ceremony | Col Anatoli Nuwagira, Col Okei Rukogota, Ms. Harriet Nabunya, and other senior UPDF officers |
A statement on the Ministry of Defence Platforms online has said the establishment of the Uganda National Military Museum marks a major step in preserving the country’s military heritage and educating future generations and that with new leadership and a clear vision, the project is poised to meet international standards and serve as both a historical repository and a tourist attraction.
