KAMPALA — The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced changes to its senior command structure ahead of the retirement of several General Officers, including Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany.
The changes, announced on Saturday, August 15, 2026, by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, affect the Reserve Forces, Land Forces and two infantry divisions.
Under the new appointments, Maj Gen Joseph Ssemwanga, who has been serving as Deputy Commander of the Land Forces, has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) Reserve Forces.
He replaces Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, who is among the senior officers scheduled to retire from the UPDF next week.
Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, the outgoing Commander of the 4 Infantry Division, has been appointed Deputy Commander of the Land Forces.
He will be replaced at the 4 Infantry Division by Maj Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, who has been serving as Commander of the 3 Infantry Division.
Meanwhile, Brig Gen Micheal Hyeroba, formerly Deputy Commander of the 1 Infantry Division, has been appointed Commander of the 3 Infantry Division.
The UPDF said the transfers and appointments take immediate effect.
The reshuffle comes days before the formal retirement of 19 General Officers at a ceremony scheduled for August 20, 2026, at State House Entebbe, where President and Commander-in-Chief Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to preside.
The retirement exercise will include senior officers such as Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, Lt Gen Charles Angina, Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, Maj Gen Geofrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, Maj Gen Apollo Kasiita-Gowa and Maj Gen Leopold Eric Kyanda.
The UPDF has previously said the August retirement exercise will see 1,817 personnel leave the force, comprising 19 General Officers, 229 Senior Officers, 205 Junior Officers and 1,364 militants.
The latest command changes are expected to facilitate a smooth transition in key formations and maintain continuity as senior officers leave active service.
Col Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, congratulated the officers on their new appointments and wished them success in their respective assignments.
