Brigadier General John Mango Baraza has officially assumed office as the Chief of Staff (COS) of the Special Forces Command (SFC), succeeding Brigadier General Paul Wanyera Namawa, who will attend the National Defence Course at Kimaka in Jinja.
The handover ceremony, presided over by SFC Deputy Commander Brig Gen Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe, also marked a wider leadership transition across the command.
In his remarks, Brig Gen Baraza pledged to work closely with the SFC leadership and personnel to strengthen the command through teamwork, professionalism, and dedication. Before his appointment, he served as the Director of Human Resource Management (DHRM)-SFC, handing over that office to Col Night Ikiriza.
Outgoing Chief of Staff Brig Gen Namawa, the pioneer holder of the office established under the UPDF Establishment 2021, highlighted achievements made during his tenure, including major infrastructure developments and institutional growth.
He thanked the UPDF leadership, the SFC Commander Maj Gen David Mugisha, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and Commander-in-Chief H.E. Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for their support.
The reshuffle also saw Col Gilbert Owamagyezi take over as Director Political Commissar, Lt Col Frank Murema assume command of the 16 Service Brigade, Lt Col Sam Kabweera take charge of the 2 Protective Agents Brigade, and Lt Col Justus Kakonge assume command of the 804 Motorised Infantry Brigade.
In the training institutions, Maj A.K. Mugabi became Commandant of the VVIP Training School at Sera Kasenyi, while Maj A. Nsobya took over as Commandant of Fort Samora Machel Training School in Waza and Capt G. Chandiga was appointed Chief Instructor at the same school.
In intelligence, Lt S.M. Tumusiime assumed the role of Intelligence Officer, Nakasero, succeeding Capt J. Kabandize.
Brig Gen Nyakikuru commended Brig Gen Namawa for laying a strong foundation for the office and urged Brig Gen Baraza to build on the progress made. He said the transfers are part of the Special Forces Command’s ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership, administration, and operational effectiveness across its formations.
