The East African Gazette
Kampala
A total of 395 officers of the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) have received promotions to various ranks.
Notably, the Director General of Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Charles Oluka, has been elevated from the rank of Colonel to Brigadier General, while his deputy, Emmy Katabazi, has been promoted from Lieutenant Colonel to full Colonel. These promotions were announced by UPDF spokesperson, Brigadier General Felix Kulyigye, and were made by the Commander in Chief of Defense Forces and President of Uganda, Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Kagutal Museveni, on January 31, 2024.
The breakdown of promotions includes: Colonel to Brigadier General (01), Acting Colonel to Colonel (04), Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel (18), Acting Lieutenant Colonel to Lieutenant Colonel (05), Major to Lieutenant Colonel (61), Acting Major to Major (02), Captain to Major (92), Acting Captain to Captain (02), and Lieutenant to Captain (210).
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Changes in leadership
However, the President also made several changes within the army leadership.
One notable change is the appointment of Maj Gen. Moses Rwakitarate as the new commander of Vital Assets within the UPDF, while Brig Gen. Richard Karemire, the former army spokesperson, has taken on the role of Chief of Education, Sports, and Culture.
In other developments, Brig Gen. Charles Bakhumura has been assigned as Uganda’s military attache in Turkey, while Brig Gen. Mathew Gureme has been appointed as Uganda’s defense Liaison Officer in Tanzania.
Furthermore, Brig Gen. Gaetano Omolla has returned as the commandant of the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre in Jinja, a position he previously held before being deployed to Somalia in December 2022 as the UPDF contingent commander for ATMIS.
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Other notable appointments include Brig Gen. Ham Atwooki Kaija, who has been appointed as the Chief Staff Officer for Operation Wealth Creation, and Brig Gen. Herbert Mbonye, who has taken on the role of the new police human resource director.
Brig Gen. Mbonye replaces Brig Gen. Jesse Kamunanwire, who is set to retire from active service in April this year.
Other appointment
Brig Gen. Chris Bosa as the Commandant of Singo training school, Brig Gen Elizabeth Omollo as the Commander of URDCC, and Brig Gen. Emmanule Kanyesigye as the Commandant of Jinja Barracks. Additionally, Brig Gen. Fred Karara has been appointed as the Deputy Director of Chieftaincy of Production and Brig Gen. Sam Omara as the Commandant of Kaweweta Training school.
Furthermore, there have been other reshuffles, with Brig Gen. James Ruhesi being transferred to Nakasongora training school, Brig Gen. James Nambale appointed as the commandant of Kabamba training school in Mubende, Col. Robert Rutayinama moved from Jinja to Rubongi, and Col. Gerald Ahimbisibwe appointed as the Director of Policy. These changes aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the respective institutions.