Four Star General Kainerugaba Hands over CLF Office

Hundreds of supporters lined the streets while others joined processions to escort outgoing Commander Land Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

The procession started at the Munyonyo roundabout and escorted Gen Kainerugaba all the way to the Land Forces Headquarters in Bombo for the pipping ceremony for Muhoozi who was last week promoted from the rank of Liuetenant General to full General.

The pipping ceremony and handover/takeover was presided over by Gen Salim Saleh. Top UPDF officers including the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Wilson Mbadi and Joint Chief of Staff Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda also attended the ceremony.

Gen Saleh congratulated Gen Kainerugaba for attaining his new rank, particularly praising him for establishing a modern army from his time as Commander Special Forces Command among other achievements.

“Today, I am happy because my friend, Gen MK has now got the same rank as myself,” Gen Saleh said.

Gen Saleh sent the audience into a hearty laughter after saying he was almost sent to jail by the President for misdeploying his soldiers.

“It was at this that Gen Muhoozi came in and conceptualised the idea of Special Forces and combined arms operations,” Gen Saleh noted. 

He also expressed happiness that he could publically appreciate Gen Kainerugaba’s contribution to the UPDF.

Meanwhile, the CDF thanked Gen Kainerugaba for fighting wastage of logistics and championing a number of infrastructural projects. Mbadi also thanked Gen Kainerugaba for his contribution to fighting Uganda’s enemies through various security operations.

Gen Kainerugaba who retains his position as Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations handed over the office of Commander Land Forces to newly promoted Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga.

Gen Kainerugaba was promoted to General but relieved of his duties as CLF following a series of tweets that reportedly annoyed Kenyans.

Following the announcement that he would vacate his position as CLF, Kainerugaba who is a four-star General said a prayer for his soldiers.

“As I leave my beloved soldiers, let me say a prayer for them. 'May the Lord bless you and keep you, May the Lord make His face to shine upon you, May the Lord be gracious to you; May the Lord lift up His countenance to you...and give you peace,” Gen Kainerugaba tweeted.

During his one-year reign as the CLF, Gen Kainerugaba championed a number of infrastructural projects including renovation of senior officers’ residences and building of new accommodation structures, including a perimeter wall around the barracks.