The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has officially welcomed Major Bilal Katamba as the new Deputy Director of Defence Public Information. He takes over from Colonel Deo Akiiki, who has been appointed Military Assistant to the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The handover ceremony, held at the ministry’s headquarters in Mbuya, was presided over by Major General Felix Kulayigye, the Director of Defence Public Information. Speaking at the event, Maj Gen Kulayigye emphasized the role of leadership and innovation in driving institutional growth.
“As a leader, you must allow people to think both within and outside the box. That’s how individuals and departments develop,” he stated.
Maj Gen Kulayigye commended Col Akiiki for his dedication and service, noting that he had fulfilled his responsibilities with commitment and creativity. Col Akiiki, who has served in the Defence Public Information department for 22 years, expressed appreciation for the support of both military and civilian staff during his tenure.
In his remarks, Maj Katamba thanked his predecessor for his guidance and pledged to continue strengthening the department’s role in disseminating accurate and timely defence information.
The event was attended by members of the Defence Public Information team, marking a smooth transition in leadership within the ministry.
Major Bilal Katamba is a seasoned officer in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), recognized for his role in military communications.
Major Katamba has held several key positions, including Public Information Officer for the UPDF’s Mountain Division and Shujaa Operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he played a vital role in communicating military efforts against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
He also served as the spokesperson for the UPDF contingent in Somalia, further enhancing his expertise in military public relations.
Known for his advocacy for human rights, Major Katamba was vocal in addressing misconduct by the Local Defence Unit during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Meanwhile, Colonel Deo Asiimwe Akiiki, appointed as the Military Assistant to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba marks a shift in Akiiki’s career.
His new role as Military Assistant to the CDF will likely involve advising General Muhoozi and supporting the operational and strategic decisions within the UPDF.
