The Commander Land Force, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, has urged newly promoted Generals and Senior Officers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) to maintain discipline, commitment, and hard work to merit further promotion in their careers.
While presiding over the decoration of promoted Generals and Senior Officers at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Lt Gen Muhanga emphasised that “promotions come after dedication, hard work, patriotism, love for what one does, passion for the job that you do, and the effort that you put in to do your best.”
He emphasised the importance of discipline in the army, warning that “because of indiscipline, uncontrolled drunkenness, and lack of physical exercise, some officers fall sick while still young. As you rise to higher ranks, you must be very careful. Hard work and discipline are crucial. You can climb the ladder and reach the top, but if you lack discipline, you may fall.”
He commended the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba for advancing the army’s professionalization, citing projects like office structures, soldiers’ accommodation, and the new Defence Headquarters, set for completion in two years by the Engineers Brigade.
Lt Gen Muhanga thanked the spouses of the promoted Generals and Officers for their sacrifices in supporting their families during deployments and training.
Speaking on behalf of the newly decorated officers, Maj Gen Steven Mugerwa, Commander 1 Division, expressed gratitude, stating, “To deserve these ranks is not just a promotion but a personal achievement.”
He also conveyed appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for his efforts in building a modern, disciplined, and professional force.
Maj Gen Mugerwa commended the dedication and resilience of UPDF commanders and the unwavering support of military spouses, highlighting their vital contributions to officers’ success, and stated, “Adorning these new ranks is a testament to our integrity and service to the nation with honour.”
The ceremony saw the decoration of five Major Generals, 20 Brigadier Generals, and 60 Colonels. Among them were:
Maj Gen Steven Mugerwa, 1 Division Commander
Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, 2 Division Commander
Maj Gen Felix Busizori, 4 Division Commander
Maj Gen Keith Katungi, 5 Division Commander
Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, Director Defence Public Information Officer (DPIO) (in absentia)
20 Brigadier Generals and 60 Colonels.
The ceremony was attended by senior military and ministry officials, including the Under Secretary for Finance and Administration at MODVA, Mrs. Edith Buturo; the Commander UPDF Air Force, Lt Gen Charles Okidi; and the Chief of Joint Staff, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba.
Also present were General Officers, Joint Staff, Senior Officers, officers’ spouses, and relatives of the newly decorated Generals and Officers.
