The UPDF Generals and other senior officers who were recently promoted have been decorated with their new pips at a colorful ceremony held at Mbuya Army Headquarters.
Gen Ivan Koreta who was promoted from Lieutenant General to full General spoke on behalf of the promoted officers, thanking President Museveni for trusting the promoted officers.
“on behalf of the over 2,000 officers, I would like to thank H.E the president for entrusting us with higher authority. Being promoted doesn’t only mean great performance but also trust that you can do better,” Gen Koreta said.
Gen Koreta urged his fellow promoted officers to exercise the new authority given to them by the Commander-in-Chief responsibly.
“I urge all of you to conduct yourselves well in whatever assignments you will be given and take good care of the men and women under your command,” Gen Koreta said, adding that the officers should also seek wisdom because they will need it as they execute their duties.
The officers that were decorated include two Generals, 10 Lt Generals,18 Maj. Generals, 38 Brig. Generals and 92 Colonels.
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Gen Koreta also thanked the UPDF and Ministry of Defense leadership for sifting through the large volumes of UPDF officers’ names to come up with the list of the promoted officers.
Koreta, the most senior among the promoted officers also thanked president Museveni for mentoring him both militarily and politically over the years.
The function was also attended by the Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi who congratulated the promoted officers, asking them to enjoy serving in the UPDF as it is a privileged calling.
“I would like to thank the Commander in Chief and the entire composition of the UPDF for making us who we are. For recognizing who we are and the good in us,” Gen Muhoozi said.
He also implored the officers to recognize the essence of being promoted.
The CDF explained that a rank is an institutional tool for team-building and additional expectations from the officers.
Former UPDF bosses, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, Gen Jeje Odongo, and Gen Elly Tumwine graced the function that was presided over by state minister for defense and veteran affairs Lt Col Bright Rwamirama.
Lt Col Rwamirama said that the promoted officers had been rewarded accordingly by the Commander in Chief, urging them to celebrate the UPDF professionalism and the role played by president Museveni in that regard.
He advised the officers to hold the UPDF flag high, saying, “don’t indulge in things that may pull you down. It is easy to be on top but difficult to stay there.”
On his part, Gen Tumwine urged the officers to enjoy the benefits of being part of the ‘great’ UPDF family that has grown into a pan African force.