The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has promoted three senior Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers for  their outstanding service and strategic contributions to national and regional security.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the following acting promotions were confirmed including; Maj Gen Francis Okello has been promoted to Lieutenant General, Col Godfrey Karugaba to Brigadier General and Col Paddy Ankunda to Brigadier General.

Lt Gen Francis Okello is a seasoned officer with a distinguished career in peacekeeping and international military diplomacy. He notably served as Force Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and has held various senior operational and training roles within the UPDF.

Brig Gen Godfrey Karugaba has played a key role in intelligence and counter-insurgency operations, particularly through his work with the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI). His efforts have contributed to stabilizing conflict-prone areas in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

Brig Gen Paddy Ankunda, a veteran military communications expert and former UPDF spokesperson, has made significant contributions to defence public relations and strategic communication, both domestically and in regional security forums.

These strategic promotions reflect the UPDF’s ongoing commitment to professionalizing its leadership and reinforcing its capacity to address evolving security challenges.