The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Special Forces Command (SFC) has announced a series of leadership changes, with Brig. Gen. John Mango Baraza appointed as the new Chief of Staff.
Brig. Gen. Baraza replaces Brig. Gen. Paul Wanyera Namawa, who has been sent for further training at the National Defence Course at the Senior Command and Staff College Kimaka in Jinja.
The changes affect several senior positions within the elite SFC, which is responsible for the protection of the country’s leadership and other strategic security duties.
Among the appointments, Col. Gilbert Owamagyezi has taken over as Director of Political Commissar, replacing Col. Moses Musinguzi.
Lt. Col. Frank Murema has been appointed Commander of the 16 Service Brigade, replacing Col. R.R. Tugume, while Lt. Col. Sam Kabweera becomes Commander of the 2 Protective Agents Brigade, taking over from Col. B. Matsiko.
At the VVIP Training School in Sera Kasenyi, Maj. A.K. Mugabi has been appointed Commandant, replacing Lt. Col. S.B. Mucunguzi.
Other changes include Maj. R.R. Mutungi taking over as Commanding Officer of the 6 Infantry Battalion from Lt. Col. Sam Kabweera, while Maj. A. Nsobya becomes Commandant of Fort Samora Machel Training School, Waza, replacing Lt. Col. E. Beyendera.
Lt. Col. A.C. Kaawe has been appointed Deputy Director of Operations, succeeding Lt. Col. Frank Murema, while Lt. Col. Justus Kakonge takes over as Commander of the 804 Motorised Infantry Brigade from Lt. Col. Moses Maiku.
In the personnel and administrative departments, Col. P.M. Lokut has been appointed Director of Personnel Policy, replacing Maj. James Turinawe.
Maj. Fred Mugabi becomes Commanding Officer of the 2 Infantry Battalion, taking over from Maj. M. Abaho, while Lt. Col. M. Muyanda assumes the role of Administration in the Directorate of Operations, replacing Maj. Matumba.
The SFC communications office has also changed leadership, with Capt. Julius Kabandize appointed Public Information Officer, replacing Maj. Jimmy Omara.
Maj. Omara has been assigned to undertake a one-year course at the Senior Command and Staff College Kimaka.
Other appointments include Capt. G. Chandiga as Chief Instructor at Fort Samora Machel Training School, Waza, replacing Maj. A. Nsobya, and Lt. S.M. Tumusiime as Intelligence Officer in Nakasero, replacing Capt. Kabandize.
The reshuffle comes as part of routine military restructuring and career progression within the UPDF, including assignments for officers to undertake professional development courses and take on new responsibilities.
