East African Gazette
Uganda
The newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and First Son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has promised to address the welfare issues and strengthen professionalism within the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF).
Muhoozi who took over from the outgoing CDF Gen. Wilson Mbadi at the UPDF Fourth Division Headquarters in Hulu on March 28, 2024 warned that he will tolerate the evil of corruption in the force.
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Mbadi was also appointed State Minister for Trade and Industry.
The colorful event which was presided over by the Special Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security also doubling as the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, commonly known as Salim Saleh, was also witnessed by several senior army officers and others officials.
Muhoozi becomes the 13th army commander.
The previous army commanders include Gen. David Rubakuba Muhoozi, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, late Maj Gen. James Kazini, Gen. Abubaker Jeje Odongo, Maj Gen. Mugisha Muntu, Gen. Caleb Akandwanabo and the late Gen. EllyTumwine.
In his remarks as the new CDF Muhoozi said the UPDF under his command will continue being professional to tackle comprehensive national security.
![](https://eastafricangazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/muhoozi-00-1024x682.jpg)
He went on to applaud President Yoweri Museveni for his wise stewardship that has grown the force over the years.
“UPDF continues to be the principal pillar of the Ugandan state that all Ugandans respect. UPDF is the central institution of Uganda’s nationhood because entry into it is open to all Ugandans,” he noted.
He added that Ugandans can disagree on anything but always have their trust in army.
He commended his predecessor for building a modern and professional force.
![](https://eastafricangazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/muhoozi-09-1024x771.jpg)
However, Muhoozi noted that having the best equipment, best uniforms, best education, best welfare and best accommodation, among others can only be done by fighting corruption and mismanagement of resources.
He promised to work with every soldier to achieve what is expected of the forces.
While handing over the office, Mbadi congratulated Gen. Muhoozi upon his new appointment.”I congratulate you for catching the eye of the appointing authority, “Mbadi said.
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Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the CDF inspecting the parade after the handover ceremony on March 28, 2024
He thanked President Museveni for having trusted him and gave him the opportunity to command the army.
“It has been an exciting 33 months serving at the helm of the peoples’ force and it gives me a strong sense of pride,” he added.
He stressed that UPDF is a family of great people that bound together to serve our great country.
![](https://eastafricangazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/muhoozi-01-1024x682.jpg)
Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho during the handover ceremony .This was at the UPDF Fourth Division Headquarters in Hulu on March 28, 2024
Mbadi noted that despite the infiltration of negative elements and negative political activism, and cross border tensions from the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Sudan, Uganda remains peaceful.
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He went on to mention some of the achievements of the army including: increased defense diplomacy, legal reforms, established new institutions (like National Defence College), protection of military land, partial salary enhancement, ideological refocus, environmental refocus, and mobility capability among others.
Gen. Akandwanaho urged all officers to uphold the first pillar of “Musevenomics”, a security of life and property for social economic transformation.
![](https://eastafricangazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/muhoozi-06-1024x682.jpg)
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