Kampala, Uganda: The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has promoted three senior officers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to higher ranks in a latest move aimed at reshaping the country’s military’s top leadership.
Colonel Paddy Ankunda, now at the rank of Brigadier General, is among the trio promoted to newer ranks. The Former UPDF spokesperson currently serves as the Assistant Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, and is responsible for International Affairs.
Major General Francis Okello, who has been serving as the Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General. General Okello is expected to officially retire from the army in July 2025 after decades of service, including command and strategic leadership assignments.
Colonel Geoffrey Karugaba, Uganda’s Defence Attaché to the United Kingdom, has been elevated to Brigadier General. Karugaba has previously held several command and diplomatic roles and is regarded as a key figure in Uganda’s international military engagements.
The promotions were confirmed on Friday in a statement issued by Defence and UPDF officials, who noted that the elevations reflect the officers’ distinguished service, commitment to professional excellence, and contributions to the institution’s modernization.
Observers see the move as part of broader efforts by General Muhoozi, who assumed the CDF position in March 2024, to strengthen leadership within critical command, intelligence, and diplomatic functions.
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