Kampala, Uganda: The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Lt. Gen. Samuel Okiding, has been awarded the prestigious Uganda Development Champions Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to national and regional security.
Gen Okiding will also be inducted into the 2025/2026 Uganda Development Champions Journal alongside Uganda’s most impactful leaders and institutions.
The decorated war general was recognised for his leadership in high-risk military operations across East and Central Africa and his instrumental role in fostering peace during his recent tenure as Force Commander of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Okiding’s military service spans over four decades, beginning in 1980 and rising through the artillery command to become one of Uganda’s most decorated generals.
The honour is administered by Public Opinions, a leading field-based organization committed to advancing Uganda Vision 2040 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals through civic engagement, policy advocacy, and leadership recognition.
“Lt. Gen. Okiding’s loyalty to President Museveni and commitment to national service has been unwavering. His legacy as a peacekeeper and military strategist is among the most distinguished in Uganda’s post-independence history,” the research firm said in a statement.
Who is Lt Gen. Sam Okiding?
Born in Kasilo, Serere District, on March 9, 1962, Lt. Gen. Okiding has led operations such as Operation Mwisho I and II against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in South Sudan, Operation Safe Haven against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Congo, and Operation Lightning Thunder across the DRC, South Sudan, and Central African Republic. His battlefield experience and leadership have earned him praise across the continent.
Lt. Gen. Okiding holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Berkeley, a Diploma in Computer Science, and a Diploma in Business Administration from the College of Professional Management (UK). His peacekeeping credentials include commanding Uganda’s AMISOM contingent from 2015 to 2017, prior to becoming ATMIS Force Commander in May 2023.
The UPDF described Okiding as a patriotic, nonpartisan, professional officer who exemplifies the Force’s mission, to defend Uganda’s sovereignty, support peace and development, and maintain close cooperation with civilians in times of emergency or disaster.
Nominations for the next class of Development Champions are now open as Uganda prepares to celebrate 63 years of independence.
The Somalia War hero now joins a high-profile list of inductees, including Gen. Salim Saleh, Prime Minister Robbinah Nabbanja, Speaker Anita Among, Treasury Secretary Ramathan Ggoobi, State House Comptroller Jane Barekye, and the CDF, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
President Yoweri Museveni was the inaugural recipient of the Uganda Development Champions Award.
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