The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has appointed Col. Deo Akiiki as his Military Assistant (MA), with the new role taking effect immediately.
Akiiki, who has been serving as Deputy Director of Defence Public Information, confirmed the appointment in a statement, urging the media to continue engaging with the Directorate of Defence Public Information as they await his replacement.
"I thank you for the many years I have worked with the media, dating back to the LRA days in 2004 across Gulu, Kitgum, Lira, Pader, Karamoja, Somalia, and Operation Lightning Thunder in the DRC as a PRO/PIO, and the last seven years as deputy spokesperson of the UPDF," he said. "This adds up to over 20 years working with you."
Col. Akiiki described his new role as a great honour and pledged to serve diligently. "It is a privilege to serve at the helm of the UPDF leadership. I do not take this for granted and I thank the CDF and the entire UPDF leadership for the trust they have placed in me," he added.
He also called on the media and his colleagues to continue supporting the office of the Directorate of Defence Public Information, led by Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, and the yet-to-be-appointed deputy.
"'Mungu pamoja Nasi' (God is with us). I urge you all to keep working with the DDPI as you have always done," Akiiki said.