Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has commended Brig Gen Peter Gaetano Omola for his significant contributions to enhancing the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (URDC) during his eight-month tenure as Commander.
“Brig Gen Omola, thank you for your contribution. You have left URDC much better than you found it,” Maj Gen Bakasumba remarked at the handover ceremony held at the URDC headquarters in Jinja, as Brig Gen Omola handed over office to Brig Gen Ernest Nuwagaba.
“That’s the spirit we need, and we are grateful for the wonderful job you’ve done,” added Maj Gen Bakasumba.
Emphasising the importance of URDC in Uganda’s international reputation for rapid response to regional crises, Maj Gen Bakasumba highlighted the importance of the URDC, applauding Uganda’s reputation among international partners for its rapid response capabilities and political commitment to stabilising regional crises within a seven-day timeframe.
He emphasised that the URDC was established to respond to emergencies within one hour, thus providing the UPDF with a quick and reliable crisis-response unit.
The outgoing commander, Brig Gen Omola, expressed his gratitude to the UPDF leadership for the opportunity to serve in the role twice, stating, “I am grateful UPDF trusted me to command URDC twice. I have gained much experience, and I am not the same as when I first took on this role. I wish the incoming commander good luck.”
Brig Gen Ernest Nuwagaba, the new commander, thanked the UPDF leadership for his appointment and pledged to continue building on the solid foundation laid by Brig Gen Omola.
The handover ceremony was attended by senior UPDF officials, including Maj Gen Ambrose Musinguzi (Joint Staff Health Services), Maj Gen Bob Ogik (Joint Staff Policy and Strategy), Brig Gen Godwin Karugaba (Joint Staff Logistics), Brig Gen Emmanuel Kanyesigye (Jinja Cantonment Commander), Brig Gen Chris Ogwal (Commandant of the Junior Staff College), Brig Gen Micheal Kabango (Chief of Staff Land Force), Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso (Chief of Staff URDC), Senior and Junior Officers, among others.