Brig Gen Chris Bagonza has officially taken over as Chief of Staff – Land Force (COS-LF) in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), succeeding Brig Gen Micheal Kabango.
The handover ceremony took place on May 6, 2025, at the Land Force Headquarters in Bombo, presided over by Chief of Joint Staff Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba.
Maj Gen Bakasumba commended Brig Gen Kabango for his service and achievements during his tenure. He also expressed confidence in Brig Gen Bagonza’s ability to lead the office with diligence and integrity.
"Numerous officers are currently facing trial over corruption allegations," Maj Gen Bakasumba warned, urging the new leadership to uphold discipline and transparency.
He encouraged Brig Gen Kabango, now appointed Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College in Kimaka, Jinja, to continue advocating for the institution’s expansion.
In his farewell address, Brig Gen Kabango thanked President Museveni and UPDF leadership for the trust placed in him. He noted that training reforms under his tenure aligned with the 2021 UPDF strategic plan.
"My counsel to my successor is to prioritize modernization across multiple Land Force divisions to boost effectiveness," he said.
Brig Gen Bagonza expressed gratitude for his appointment, vowing to build on his predecessors' efforts. “I pledge to uphold their legacy and further develop the solid groundwork they established,” he said.
Several UPDF officers attended the ceremony, including Brig Gen Hassan Kimbowa, Brig Gen Metland Bitumbika, Brig Gen Edward Mutawe, Brig Gen Saad Katemba, Brig Gen Pande Kajuba, and Brig Gen Ali Kiiza Kasauli.
