The Deputy Commander of the Special Forces Command (DCSFC), Brig Gen Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, has attributed the outstanding performance of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) peacekeeping troops in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan to their high professionalism and the unwavering trust they put in the Commander-in-Chief, President Yoweri Museveni, and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Speaking on Friday, April 18, 2025, at the SFC headquarters in Entebbe while presiding over the piping and decoration ceremony for over 40 recently promoted officers, Brig Gen Nyakikuru highlighted the pivotal role played by the Commander-in-Chief and the Chief of Defence Forces in steering the UPDF toward excellence.
“Promotion is a clear signature of a vibrant and operational army under the visionary leadership of the CiC and our dedicated CDF,” Brig. Gen. Nyakikuru stated.
Representing the SFC Commander, Brig. Gen. Nyakikuru emphasized the UPDF’s commitment to continuous professional development, noting that the force is actively running refresher and specialized training programs. These include the Senior Command and Staff Course in Kimaka, the Junior Command and Staff Course in Jinja, and the Company Commander’s Course conducted in various military academies across the country.
He stressed that officers are selected for these courses based on merit, not connections, and lauded Gen. Muhoozi for revitalizing the force.
“We are not where we used to be back in the year 2000. There is a significant transformation now,” he said.
Brig Gen Nyakikuru also thanked President Museveni for building a professional and motivated army and reaffirmed the CDF’s commitment to fighting corruption within the force. He noted that the improved welfare of troops in the field is a direct result of anti-corruption efforts, citing improved welfare and morale among troops as evidence of success in fighting misuse of resources.
‘’When you visit troops in battlefields or in respective stations, they are happy because their welfare is now being catered for; they get what they are entitled to get because corruption is being tackled head-on,’’ the DCSFC said.
In his closing remarks, he reminded the newly promoted officers that elevation in rank is not only an honor but also a call to greater responsibility, dedication, and career progression.
In his address, the SFC Chief of Staff, Brig Gen. Paul Namawa, echoed the sentiment that the promotions are a reflection of the collective success of the UPDF and its leadership. “We are celebrating how far Uganda and the UPDF have come. Let us carry forward the mission our predecessors began,” he remarked.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Staff of SFC, Brig. Gen. Paul Namawa, underscored the collective effort behind UPDF’s achievements and urged the officers to remain committed to the mission and values of the force.
“We are celebrating how far Uganda and the UPDF have come. Let us carry forward the mission our predecessors began,” he remarked.
He also urged the newly promoted officers to remain committed, resilient, and consistent in executing their duties.
Speaking on behalf of the decorated officers, Lt. Col. Sam Kabwera expressed gratitude to the President, the CDF, SFC Commander, and the broader SFC leadership for the trust placed in them.
“We acknowledge the responsibilities that come with these new ranks, and we pledge to serve with integrity, upholding the values of our defense forces as we protect our motherland, Uganda,” Lt Col Kabwera said.
The ceremony followed the March 7th, 2025 presidential approval of promotions for 500 UPDF officers across the country. Of these, 46 officers were from SFC, including 18 lieutenant colonels, 4 majors, 10 captains, and 14 second lieutenants. Their decoration and piping were officiated by the SFC Director of Human Resource Management, Col. John Mango.
