Col. Deo Akiiki has been appointed as the Military Assistant (MA) to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. His appointment takes immediate effect.
On Friday, February 28, 2025, Akiiki announced his appointment and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust bestowed upon him by the CDF and UPDF leadership.
“It is an honor and a sign of trust to serve at the helm of UPDF leadership. I do not take this responsibility lightly, and I am deeply thankful to the CDF and the entire UPDF leadership for their confidence in me,” he stated.
Looking back on his career, Akiiki emphasized his extensive experience working with the media, which spans more than two decades.
“I would like to express my gratitude for the long partnership I’ve had with the media fraternity, starting from the LRA days in 2004 in Gulu, Kitgum, Lira, Pader, Karamoja, and Somalia, to Operation Lightning Thunder in the DRC as a PRO/PIO. Over the past seven years, I’ve served as the deputy spokesperson for the entire mighty UPDF, marking more than 20 years of teamwork,” he remarked.
Akiiki urged continued cooperation with the Directorate of Defence Public Information (DDPI), now led by Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye.
“I call upon you comrades to continue working with the office of the DDPI. Continue to give them as much support as you have always done,” he stated.
Akiiki, who has served as the UPDF Deputy Spokesperson for the past seven years, boasts an extensive background in military communication.
His previous positions include spokesperson for the UPDF 5th Infantry Division, Public Information Officer for AMISOM in Somalia, and Director of Strategic Communication at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
He holds a degree in Strategic Security Studies from the National Defence University in Washington, D.C., and is an alumnus of the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC) in Kimaka, where he was honored as the best student for his contributions to central lectures.
Closing his statement, he reaffirmed his commitment to duty and faith in God. “Mungu pamoja nasi (God with us). God bless you, God bless Uganda, God bless the mighty UPDF,” he said.
“I call upon you comrades to continue working with the office of the DDPI. Continue to give them as much support as you have always done,” he stated.
Akiiki, who has served as the UPDF Deputy Spokesperson for the past seven years, has an extensive background in military communication. His previous roles include spokesperson for the UPDF 5th Infantry Division, AMISOM Public Information Officer in Somalia, and Director of Strategic Communication at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
He is a graduate of Strategic Security Studies at the National Defence University in Washington, D.C., and an alumnus of the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC), Kimaka, where he was recognized as the best student for central lecture hall contributions.
As Military Assistant, Akiiki’s role will focus on supporting the CDF in executing readiness programs, with emphasis on strength maintenance, personnel, and training readiness. He joins other Military Assistants and replaces none.
