The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has today implored all troops to often leave a positive and indelible impact at all their respective services, units and formations.
He mentioned that the above act manifests the peaceful culture of a professional military like UPDF. “Do the best you can with the knowledge and perspective you have to leave an indelible and positive impact on the force,” General Kainerugaba told Service commanders, Chiefs, General and Senior Officers; as he presided over the Hand/Takeover ceremony for the office of Deputy CDF (D/CDF) and Chief of Joint Staff (CJS).
The hand/take over ceremony, at the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya – Kampala, had the Outgoing D/CDF Lt Gen Peter Elwelu handing over to Lt Gen Sam Okiding while the former Chief of Joint Staff Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda handed over to Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba.
The CDF and also the Special Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations (SPA/SO), in his remarks to both the Incoming and Outgoing D/CDF and CJS, noted that the tour of duty is for everyone to heighten operational efficiency. “These offices are not permanent and they are for everyone to pass through when building a professional force. Tour of duty is for everyone,” Gen Muhoozi reminded troops.
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba further urged troops to maintain the spirit of togetherness, brotherhood, and sisterhood and to continue building the UPDF that is loved and cherished by all.
He also expressed happiness with the appointing authority and Commander in Chief of the UPDF H.E Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for selecting the right people to occupy the aforementioned offices.
He further cautioned the new office bearers to make a bigger impact at their new stations and thanked the formers for a job well done.
The Outgoing D/CDF Lt Gen Peter Elwelu expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the President and Commander in Chief of UPDF H.E Gen Museveni for the trust bestowed upon him when he served as Deputy army chief, saying it was a great challenge as a soldier and leader at all levels of command and control.
He pledged to continue serving his country in another capacity as a Special Presidential Advisor and commended the MODVA/UPDF fraternity for all the support over the last 38 years.
The Outgoing D/CDF, however, highlighted the fastening of court procedures for the military and the need to continuously improve the welfare of soldiers, noting that, “when people are retiring, they should be happy with the package on the table”.
In his acceptance remarks, the Incoming D/CDF Lt Gen Sam Okiding lauded the Outgoing for what he has done, adding that whatever happens in the world happens at the right time, and is Godly commanded and chosen.
He said his appointment is unique since he once deputized the current CDF at the Land Force Headquarters (Bombo).
He pledged to serve at his best and promised to work with others, emphasizing that, “If you want to reach far, then walk with others”.
At the same ceremony, the Outgoing Chief of Joint Staff Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda applauded the privilege he had working with MODVA, adding that UPDF is now transitioning to the new establishment.
Maj Gen Kyanda noted that during his reign, MODVA/UPDF had achieved the following: Established UPDF Act 2021, opened the National Defence College -Uganda, a number of Engineering projects had taken root-most especially in education and health, Special Infantry Basic Course for Somali Nationals was started at Camp Rufu and there has been timely handling of documents in his office.
He, however, pronounced the need for the establishment of a service doctrine, budget rationalization, decentralization of services, and engaging the force in income generating activities, among others; to enable the force meet it’s constitutional mandate of protecting Uganda’s territorial integrity.
The Outgoing CJS cautioned his successor to uphold onto the notion of improving a soldiers’ welfare as priority number one.
He noted that whatever Command and control method he executed during his reign was for the good of UPDF soldiers.
Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba the Incoming CJS, in his acceptance speech, appealed for all the support to fulfill the forces’ desired intent. “l reaffirm my commitment to serve to the expectations of the mighty UPDF,” he alluded.
He promised to fight against indiscipline and pledged zero tolerance for corruption as guided by the building of a strong force based on ideological clarity.
Both the Outgoing and Incoming D/CDF and CJS respectively, recognized President Museveni for his unwavering support and guidance.
The ceremony was also attended by the MODVA Under Secretary in Charge of Finance & Administration Mrs. Edith Buturo, Under Secretary Logistics Mr. Ngabirano Francis Kahiriita and Under Secretary UPDF – Air Force Mr. James Mutabazi.
Others were: General Officer Commanding Reserve Force Lt Gen Charles Otema Awanyi, Managing Director NEC Lt Gen James Mugira and Commander Special Forces Command Maj Gen David Mugisha, among other Generals and Senior Officers.
