Bombo, Uganda: The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has promoted Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga to the rank of Major General and appointed him as the new Deputy Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Land Forces following the death of Maj Gen Francis Takirwa.
The appointment, which takes effect from December 2025, was confirmed on Saturday by the UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, shortly after the army announced Maj Gen Takirwa’s death following complications related to a stroke.
“Major General Ssemwanga replaces Major General Francis Takirwa (RIP), who passed away this morning after illness,” Col Magezi said.
Maj Gen Ssemwanga assumes the position at a critical moment for the Land Forces command structure, which oversees the UPDF’s core combat units and operational readiness.
Until his appointment, Ssemwanga served as the Contingent Commander of UPDF troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), where he oversaw counter-insurgency and stabilization operations. Before his Somalia deployment in late 2024, he was the Commander of the 1st Infantry Division based in Kakiri, Wakiso District.
The late Maj Gen Takirwa, who had served as Deputy Commander Land Forces headquartered in Bombo, had been undergoing treatment since December 9, 2025. He was first admitted at Nakasero Hospital before being transferred to a UPDF medical facility for long-term care, according to the army.
Maj Gen Takirwa’s death was announced on Saturday morning, sending shockwaves through the military and political establishment. UPDF said details regarding burial arrangements will be communicated in due course.
The Land Forces remain one of the most critical pillars of the UPDF, responsible for internal security, border operations, and expeditionary missions in the region. Maj Gen Ssemwanga’s elevation is expected to ensure continuity of command, operational stability, and institutional discipline following the loss of his predecessor.
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