Kampala, Uganda: The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has appointed new Uganda military attachés and defence advisors to represent the country across key global diplomatic missions.
The deployments, confirmed by Acting Director for Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi, are part of routine rotations following the completion of tours of duty by outgoing officers.
Among those appointed is former UPDF Deputy Spokesperson, Col Deo Akiiki, a close aide and Military Assistant to Gen Muhoozi, who has been sent to serve as Uganda’s Military Attaché in Washington, D.C. He replaces Col Peter Sonko Buwungo in the strategic posting.
Akiiki’s appointment comes shortly after the high-profile visit to Kampala by retired U.S. General Michael Flynn, who met President Yoweri Museveni and Gen Muhoozi, and addressed senior military officers.
Flynn, a former U.S. National Security Advisor under President Donald Trump and head of the Flynn Intel Group, is a prominent figure in American national security circles.
His visit has sparked speculation about renewed engagement between Uganda and Washington, particularly amid ongoing U.S. sanctions targeting some officials in Uganda and the wider Great Lakes region.
Analysts say the timing of Col Akiiki’s appointment could signal a strategic effort by Uganda to strengthen military and diplomatic ties with the United States.
The reshuffle also features senior officers, including Brig Gen Paddy Ankunda and Col Godfrey Kyomuhendo, among others, deployed to strategic postings across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
FULL LIST OF NEWLY APPOINTED MILITARY ATTACHÉS
- Col Deo Akiiki – United States (Washington, D.C.)
- Brig Gen Paddy Ankunda – Belgium
- Col Godfrey Kyomuhendo – Algeria
- Col Steven Swizen Mulindwa – Saudi Arabia
- Col Alex Tumushabe – United Arab Emirates
- Col Ezekiel Katatembeya Matisiko – Rwanda
- Col Albert Nomwesigwa – Liaison Officer, Benin
- Victor Busobozi Rukonge – Somalia
OTHER SENIOR DEPLOYMENTS
- Brig Gen Julius Rubakuba – Tanzania
- Brig Gen Paul Muwonge – DR Congo
- Brig Gen Richard Rubongoya – Russia
- Brig Gen Johnson Niwamanya – Burundi
OFFICERS REPLACED
The changes also see several senior officers completing their tours of duty, including, Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda – Belgium, Brig Gen Fred Zaake – Ethiopia, Brig Gen Ronald Bigirwa – Tanzania, Brig Gen Charles Asiimwe – DR Congo, Brig Gen Patrick Mwesiige – Russia, Brig Gen Simon Nicholas Ochan – Burundi, Brig Gen Muhindo Mawaa – Algeria, Brig Gen Winston Byaruhanga – Saudi Arabia, Col Yunus Bagada – UAE, Brig Gen Francis Chemonges – Somalia, Brig Gen Emmanuel Shillingi – Rwanda and Col Peter Sonko Buwungo – USA.
Who is a Military Attaché?
A defence attaché is a senior military officer posted to an embassy to represent Uganda’s defence and security interests abroad. Their roles include strengthening military cooperation, advising ambassadors on defence matters, and reporting on security developments in host countries.
The latest appointments signal Uganda’s continued effort to strengthen international military partnerships and expand its defence diplomacy footprint.
Sources within the defence establishment indicate that the reshuffle is aimed at injecting fresh energy into Uganda’s foreign military missions while maintaining continuity in strategic partnerships.
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