The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has decorated 27 generals and 39 senior officers following their promotion. The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General of the UPDF, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, presided over the ceremony on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces.
He said military promotions carried a deeper significance than personal achievement. He described them as recognition of years of service, sacrifice, discipline, commitment and leadership.
“A military promotion is a major achievement for a country. It is for you as an individual, and it is also for your family,” he said.
Lt Gen Okiding highlighted the contribution of military families, particularly spouses, to the careers of the promoted officers.
“Military spouses endure prolonged deployments, transfers, periods of separation and the demands associated with the profession. Their support therefore becomes an important part of an officer’s journey to higher responsibility,” he said.
The Joint Staff Human Resource Management, Maj Gen James Kinalwa, said the promotions formed part of the UPDF’s continued professionalisation. He said they reflected an institutional career system based on competence, dedication and consistent performance.
Maj Gen Kinalwa urged the newly promoted officers to turn their experience and professional knowledge into effective leadership. He also asked them to mentor personnel under their command.
Speaking on behalf of the decorated officers, the Commander Reserve Force, Maj Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, thanked the Commander-in-Chief, UPDF leadership, service members and families for supporting them throughout their military careers.
He warned the officers that their new ranks would attract greater scrutiny from their juniors, colleagues and the public. Their conduct would reflect on the image and reputation of the UPDF.
Maj Gen Ssemwanga urged the officers to lead by example, uphold discipline and integrity, and remain aware of their increased responsibility to the force and the nation.
Those decorated included the Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka, Maj Gen David Gonyi; Joint Staff Logistics, Maj Gen Godwin Karugaba; Commander 15 Marines Brigade, Maj Gen Michael Nyarwa; Joint Staff Formal Education, Sports and Culture, Maj Gen Richard Karemire; Chief of Staff Land Force, Maj Gen Chris Bagonza; and Chief of Staff Air Force, Brig Gen James Basheija Itungu.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba; Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation, Lt Gen James Mugira; Commander Air Force, Lt Gen Charles Okidi; Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj Gen Richard Otto; and Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko.
Others included the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Under Secretary for Finance and Administration, Edith Butuuro; Assistant Commissioner for Human Resource Management, Harriet Kyomugisha; senior military and civilian officials; spouses; and family members.
