By Spy Uganda
Kampala: The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Wilson Mbadi has commissioned and launched the biometrics systems and Uganda People Defence Forces (UPDF) Identity Cards at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) Headquarters at Mbuya.
According to Gen. Mbadi, the rolled-out biometric system is an upgrade that will help the Ugandan army easily identify all soldiers electronically.
Speaking during the launch Yesterday, Gen. Mbadi commended the ministry and the Chieftaincy of Integrated Resource Management Information System (CIRMIS) for the upgrade made on the biometrics, adding that the dynamics of ICT are evolving very fast and this electronic system will make jobs easier.
“Upgrading is going to make the system more efficient and effective,” he said.
Gen.Mbadi further called upon the Joint Chief of Staff and the Permanent Secretary to always respond expeditiously not only in the procurement of the Integrated Resource Management Information System but also in other areas that require focus, especially those that work for all peculiarities and not a “one size fits all”.
He requested them to buy more printing machines for efficiency.
According to Gen Mbaddi, the system is among the various interventions aimed at dealing with UPDF personnel accountability and has an embedded biometrics component for verification and identity card printing designed to effectively identify the UPDF personnel.
Edith Butuuro who represented the Permanent Secretary congratulated the Chief of IRMIS for the success achieved.
“Despite the hardships, he had the zeal for the work, competence and skills. We wouldn’t have been here. I am glad that both mother and baby are well,” Buturo said.
The Chief Integrated Resource Management Information Systems Brig Baguma Mugume mentioned that the project will provide the institution with a smart and secure ID for identification, as well as reports of verification and roll call attendance.
He noted that the Human Resource Management (HRM) system or the Integrated Resource Management Information System (IRMIS) that integrates with the biometrics is long overdue for an upgrade, adding that the Ministry of Defence and UPDF need to prioritize investing in systems as a way of improving work processes and service delivery.
“We need only need to look back at how far we have come from and try to visualize where we would be without the IRMIS system, to be able to understand what I am talking about.”
He thanked the CDF, Chieftaincies and staff of the Ministry of Defence for their keen interest in the system, prompt facilitation, support, and guidance accorded to implement the project.
In attendance was the Joint Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, Chief of Staff Airforce, Brig Gen David Gonyi, Chief of Staff Land Forces, Brig Gen Bob Ogik and Brig Gen Mwanje Ssekiranda, the Chief of Staff, Reserve Forces among other chiefs, directors and staff officers from the Joint Services.
