Brig. Gen. David Mugisha Advises Newly Promoted Officers to Embrace Patriotism

The Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC), Brigadier General David Mugisha, advised the newly promoted army officers to maintain patriotism, focus, and a reverence for God if they aim to excel in their professional careers.

“Live within your means, prioritize your health, cherish Uganda, East Africa, and Africa,” he urged.

Brig. Gen. Mugisha delivered these remarks today while presiding over the decoration and pipping ceremony of the newly promoted SFC senior and junior officers at a function held at SFC Headquarters, Entebbe. The decorated soldiers comprised 60 officers and 193 militants, including 23 Captains, 6 Majors, and 9 Lt. Colonels.

On January 31, 2024, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda and Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, exercising his powers vested under Article 98, Clause (1) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 20, Subsection (3)(d) of the UPDF Act No. 7 of 2005, promoted 382 and confirmed 13 senior and junior officers to various ranks ranging from captain to Brigadier General. Among those promoted were senior and junior officers from the SFC.

Brig. Gen. Mugisha also congratulated the officers for their well-deserved elevation.

“Promotion, as the Bible says, is the prerogative of God. While people, circumstances, character, or qualifications may seem to be immediate causes of elevation, they are merely tools. Therefore, being promoted entails more duties, responsibilities, and undertakings that necessitate the right approach, conscious discipline, extraordinary commitment to service, consultation, and sound decision-making,” he emphasized.

Furthermore, Brig. Gen. Mugisha urged the officers to participate in the operationalization of the newly launched UPDF establishment within their respective units and groups.

“Be close to your personnel in addressing their challenges, foster strong teams to solidify our position in ensuring peace and stability in Uganda. Embrace revolutionary work methods such as committee meetings, accept constructive criticism, demonstrate revolutionary humility in case of mistakes, and maintain a broader perspective of leadership while ensuring mutual respect within the UPDF,” the Commandant noted.

“To those who were not promoted, take heart, stay focused, and be assured that leadership will always recognize merit. This is not the end; as long as you remain focused, the future is promising,” he added.

Brig. Gen. Mugisha expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his visionary leadership and unwavering determination, which have strengthened the UPDF into a formidable force.

“The efficiency, effectiveness, versatility, competence, reliability, productivity, pro-people stance, and the ability to secure, safeguard, and pacify Uganda, East Africa, and Africa are anchored on President Museveni’s philosophy of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, and socio-economic transformation,” he stated.

He also commended the UPDF strategic leadership under the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Wilson Mbadi, for consistently ensuring the army’s accountability.

“SFC acknowledges his strategic invaluable efforts towards building a strong UPDF and, above all, enhancing motivation, versatility, and clarity within the force through promotions, training, and tasking at different levels.”

Brig. Gen. Mugisha also praised the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his role in establishing, developing, equipping, training, and galvanizing the current SFC.

“His efforts in the establishment of SFC are highly appreciated.”

Colonel Wilson Bagonza, the commander of Special Forces Group Two (2SFG), also congratulated the newly promoted officers and attributed their success to their dedication and hard work in the army.

“I thank the Commander in Chief and the UPDF leadership for providing us with great opportunities. Promotion is a legal recognition of your efforts, so continue to exert yourselves for the betterment of our country,” he said.

Col. Bagonza also expressed gratitude to the spouses of the army officers for their support, acknowledging that their encouragement plays a crucial role in the officers’ success.

“Without you, their rise wouldn’t have been possible because stress affects work. Keep supporting them.”

Presenting the promoted officers for decoration was Col. John Baraza Mango, the SFC Director of Personnel and Administration.