Summary:
- Gen Muhoozi steps into the role, succeeding Gen Wilson Mbadi, who has been appointed State Minister for Trade. As the 13th CDF, Gen Muhoozi affirmed the UPDF’s commitment to professionalism, morality, and comprehensive national security.
GULU: Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, known as “MK,” has officially taken the helm as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) with a firm commitment to enhance the welfare of soldiers through eradicating the scourge of corruption and ensuring efficient resource management.
The transition ceremony, held at the Gulu 4th Division Headquarters, was overseen by Gen Caleb Akandwanabo, renowned as Salim Saleh, the Special Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security, and Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).
In his address, Gen Saleh extended congratulations to both the incoming and outgoing CDFs, emphasizing the paramount importance of safeguarding health and upholding the core tenets of “Musevenomics,” particularly the security of life and property for socioeconomic advancement.
Gen Muhoozi steps into the role, succeeding Gen Wilson Mbadi, who has been appointed State Minister for Trade. As the 13th CDF, Gen Muhoozi affirmed the UPDF’s commitment to professionalism, morality, and comprehensive national security.
Gen Muhoozi, aged 49, previously serving as the Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations (SPA/SO), highlighted ongoing priorities including combatting ADF terrorists, addressing cattle rustling in the Karamoja Sub-region, and countering cyber terrorism.
Expressing gratitude to President and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for his visionary leadership, Gen Muhoozi emphasized the UPDF’s pivotal role as a cornerstone of Ugandan statehood, open to all citizens and deserving of universal respect and support.
Acknowledging the achievements of his predecessor in modernizing the force, Gen Muhoozi cautioned against complacency and stressed the imperative of combating corruption and mismanagement to ensure optimal conditions for soldiers.
He urged soldiers to remain vigilant in securing not only traditional military interests but also emerging domains such as environmental, cyber, and political security, while also defending African interests in the face of evolving threats.
Former CDF, now Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Gen Mbadi, extended congratulations to Gen Muhoozi on his appointment, commending the President for entrusting him with leadership responsibilities within the military.
Highlighting ongoing security challenges, including insufficient defense budget allocation and cross-border tensions, Gen Mbadi emphasized the need for vigilance, frugality, and effective anti-corruption measures.
The ceremony, attended by high-ranking military officials and government dignitaries, underscored the UPDF’s achievements, including enhanced defense diplomacy, legal reforms, and institutional development.
The instruments of power that were handed over to the Incoming CDF included but not limited to the, Uganda Constitution, UPDF Act 2005, UPDF Doctrine, UPDF Defence Policy, UPDF Establishment 2020/21, MOD Policy Statement 2024/25 and National Defence Policy
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba comes in as the top army chief after Hon Gen Wilson Mbadi, Hon Gen David Rubakuba Muhoozi, Hon Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, Late Hon Gen Aronda Nyakairima, Late Maj Gen James Kazini, Hon Gen Abubaker Jeje Odongo, Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu, Gen Caleb Akandwanabo, Late Gen Elly Tumwine and others.
The function was also attended by the Permanent Secretary MODVA Mrs Rosettie Byengoma, UPDAF under Secretary Finance and Administration Mr James Mutabazi, Director General of External Security Organisation (ESO) Mr. Joseph Ocwet, former Director General of ESO Hon David Pulkol, and Chief Advisor OWC Ambassador Philip Idro.
Other Attendees were: Commander of the African Transition Mission in Somalia Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, Managing Director National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Lt Gen James Mugira, Special Presidential Advisor (designate) Hon Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, Commander Reserve Force Lt Gen Charles Otema Awanyi, Commander Land Force Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, former Joint Chief of Staff (JCOS) Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, Commander Special Forces Command (SFC) Maj Gen David Mugisha, Deputy Commander Air Force Brig Gen Stephen Kiggundu, among other invited UPDF Generals, Service Commanders, Chiefs and Directors.
