UPDF | GEN MUHOOZI | SSEMWANGA 

WAKISO - The Commander Land Forces (CLF), Lt. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has advised Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) officers to always be ready for changes, saying it's part and parcel of their duty within the military.

Muhoozi, also a Presidential Advisor on Special Operations reminded officers that no one in the army should ever expect to be in a position forever. 

He made the remarks Monday (August 8) as he presided over the handover of the UPDF 1st Infantry Division Commander at the Division Headquarters in Kakiri, Wakiso District.

Muhoozi, also a Presidential Advisor on Special Operations reminded officers that no one in the army should ever expect to be in a position forever. (UPDF Photos)

At the ceremony, Maj Gen Sam Kawagga, who was transferred to Nairobi as a Defence Advisor handed over to Brig Gen Joseph Ssemwanga. 

The handover came a week after President Yoweri Museveni, also the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, promoted and transferred seven senior officers of the UPDF.

“You come, you do your part and you hand over the button to the next officer. This is a relay and we are not in a one hundred metres dash,” said Lt Gen Muhoozi.

Brig. Gen Joseph Ssemwanga takes notes during the handover ceremony, this was at the UPDF 1st Division Headquarters in Kakiri, Wakiso district on Monday.

The CLF congratulated Maj Gen Kawagga for having successfully completed his tour of duty in 1st Division, adding that his appointment as a UPDF representative in Kenya is a great opportunity for him to grow his career in the diplomacy scene.

In the same spirit, Lt Gen Muhoozi equally congratulated Brig Gen Ssemwanga for his elevation to the 1st Div Commander which he said is an important position. 

“I have true confidence in him. I know he is capable and a very disciplined officer, hard working and we have high hopes that he will do a good job as 1 Div Commander,” the CLF noted.

Speaking at the same function, Maj Gen Kawagga re-echoed that in any Government institution, there is tour of duty. 

Lt. Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba presides over the handover function.

“I want to thank the UPDF leadership for having entrusted me with this responsibility. This is my third time to Command a Division,” Gen Kawagga said.

He reminded the officers that his work as a Commander was to prepare them so that they also become commanders. “I was busy here preparing other people to take over from me,” said Maj Gen Kawagga.

Maj Gen Kawagga thanked the various Commanders who were under his command for the support they gave him during his time in office and urged them to render the same support to the incoming Commander.

In his remarks, the incoming 1 Div Commander, Ssemwanga said that in Maj Gen Kawagga, he found a parent, commander, gentleman and teacher who has always been readily available to mentor and offer guidance. “Afande Kawagga, we shall forever be indebted to your meritorious service to this Division and the country,” said Brig Gen Ssemwanga.

The handover was attended by the RDC Wakiso District, Brigade and Battalion Commanders, Officers and men under the 1 Division.