President Yoweri Museveni has promoted 301 General, Senior and Junior officers in a major Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) command reshuffle.
According to a statement issued by the UPDF Acting Spokesperson, Col. Chris Magezi, 83 officers who had been serving in acting capacities have also been confirmed in their substantive ranks. Additionally, the probationary appointments of 89 Second Lieutenants have been confirmed, officially elevating them to the rank of Lieutenant.
Among the most senior promotions are five Brigadier Generals who have been elevated to the rank of Major General. They include Godwin Karugaba, Chris Musinguzi Bagonza, Michael Nyarwa, David Robert Gonyi, and Richard Karemire, who served as UPDF spokesperson from 2017 to 2020.
Acting Major General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga has also been confirmed in the substantive rank of Major General. Earlier this year, Ssemwanga was appointed Deputy Commander of Land Forces following the illness of his predecessor, Major General Francis Takirwa, who died in February after suffering complications from a stroke.
The promotions come as several senior UPDF officers are expected to retire this year. Those due for retirement include General Katumba Wamala, a former Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, and Maj. Gen. Godfrey Katsigazi Tumusiime.
Others set to retire are Maj. Gen. Henry Ndarubweine Masiko, Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita Gowa, Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda, and Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho, among other senior officers.
“The promotions and confirmations strengthen leadership across all levels of the Force and ensure continuity in fulfilling the UPDF’s constitutional mandate to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda,” the statement said-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
