Today marks one year since General Muhoozi Kainerugaba was appointed Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) by President Yoweri Museveni on March 21, 2024.
Gen Muhoozi succeeded Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, who was appointed Minister of State for Trade. Prior to taking on the top military role, Muhoozi had served as Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations since January 2017.
Upon assuming office, he vowed to collaborate with every soldier to advance the force’s strategic objectives, prioritizing military security while also addressing environmental, cyber, and political threats.
In his first year, Gen Muhoozi has led successful military operations that have boosted Uganda’s security and reinforced its role in regional peacekeeping.
His other major highlight has been Operation Shujaa, the joint Uganda-DR Congo military offensive launched in 2021 against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Under his leadership, the UPDF has weakened ADF strongholds, eliminated key rebels, and freed villages, allowing thousands to return home as schools and health facilities reopen.
On January 9, 2025, Gen Muhoozi visited UPDF troops in Eastern DRC, praising their dedication and sacrifices in combating terrorism.
“We have significantly weakened the ADF, eliminated many of their commanders, and rescued abductees who have since undergone rehabilitation,” he stated.
Beyond the DRC, UPDF has been involved in maintaining stability in Somalia despite the shift from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
“The situation remains fragile, but we are committed to preserving the gains of the last 18 years,” the CDF emphasized.
In Karamoja, security improvements have been remarkable, with the restoration of peace and the restoration of tourism in Kidepo National Park.
“We have either eliminated or arrested most of the hardcore criminals. Our primary focus now is ensuring that Karamojong warriors never rearm,” he stated.
Additionally, in March 2025, the UPDF was deployed to South Sudan under “Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya,” led by Brig Gen Anthony Mbuusi Lukwago at President Salva Kiir’s request, to stabilize the country and prevent further conflict.
Gen Muhoozi has also led key infrastructural developments within the UPDF, including officiating the August 26, 2024 groundbreaking for a UGX 94 billion Ministry of Defense and UPDF headquarters in Mbuya.
The highly anticipated UPDF National Referral Hospital in Lower Mbuya is nearing completion, with operations set for April 30, 2025, and will provide specialized medical services to UPDF personnel, veterans, and civilians.
Troop welfare has been prioritized, with Parliament approving UGX 962.23 billion for salary hikes. Private Officers now earn UGX 828,426 (up from UGX 485,279), while captains earn UGX 2,736,333 (up from UGX 845,638).
Under Muhoozi’s leadership, Uganda strengthened military ties with regional and international allies. His efforts to restore relations with Rwanda led to the reopening of the Gatuna border in 2022.
On March 20, 2025, Gen. Muhoozi returned to Kigali for high-level talks with Rwandan leaders, further strengthening Uganda’s commitment to regional stability.
Col Justus Nsereko, a parade commander from the Air Force, praised Gen Muhoozi for his inclusive leadership.
“Before you became CDF, our role was limited to air matters. Now, we are involved in broader operations, which has greatly strengthened inter-service cooperation,” he remarked.
Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, commander of land forces, also highly praised Muhoozi’s leadership in counterinsurgency efforts.
“His vision and decisive actions have been crucial in neutralizing threats, especially in the DRC and Somalia,” he noted.
As Gen Muhoozi enters his second year as CDF, his continued focus on security, welfare, and regional stability promises to shape the future of Uganda’s defense landscape and contribute to lasting peace and stability in East Africa.
