Kampala, Uganda: Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has appointed Brig. Gen. Alex Opolot Olupot as the new Commandant of the National Defence College Uganda (NDC-U) and Brig. Gen. Micheal Kabango as Commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC) Kimaka.
Brig. Gen. Olupot, formerly in charge of Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, replaces Maj. Gen. Francis Okello, the founding Commandant of NDC-U, who is set to retire this year. Brig. Gen. Kabango, who was serving as Chief of Staff – Land Forces, takes over from Maj. Gen. George Igumba, also slated for retirement.
In an official statement issued Monday, Col. Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, confirmed the appointments and hailed the outgoing commanders, saying: “Major Generals Francis Okello and George Igumba have had over four decades of distinguished military service.”
“They are a stellar example to upcoming officers for their example, resilience and dedication. We wish them well in their imminent retirement.”
Col. Magezi congratulated the new appointees, expressing confidence in their leadership: “The UPDF fraternity also congratulates Brigadier Generals Alex Opolot Olupot and Micheal Kabango for their well-deserved appointments.”
“We are confident the senior officers possess the wherewithal to take UPDF’s elite training colleges to the next level.”
The new appointments are part of a larger wave of leadership changes within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces in recent months.
In March 2025, President Yoweri Museveni confirmed several high-ranking promotions, including Maj Gen. Felix Kulayigye (Defence Spokesperson), Maj. Gen. Charles Byanyima, Maj. Gen. Daniel Kakono, and Maj. Gen. Deus Sande.
Earlier in April, Maj. Gen. Richard Otto was appointed Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, replacing Lt. Gen. Jim Owoyesigire. Otto had previously led Operation Shujaa in eastern DRC and commanded the Mountain Division.
The reshuffles further signify Gen. Muhoozi’s continued efforts to position battle-tested and academically accomplished officers at the helm of the UPDF’s key strategic institutions, as Uganda gears up for enhanced internal security and regional peace operations.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative anews platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp for realtime updates.
