________________________

 CDF GEN. MUHOOZI KAINERUGABA 

When a youthful Muhoozi Kainerugaba left school, he could have ventured into civilian work. But at the time, he realized that around one million people were internally displaced. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) were causing havoc in Uganda's western region and the Lord’s Resistance Army in the north.

“Bombs were being planted in the city. I decided to join the forces to help restore peace in this country,” he said in September 2010 while addressing his former colleagues of St. Mary’s College, Kisubi (SMACK) at a function. 

During the function, the school’s old boys (University Chapter) awarded him a certificate for his role in popularizing the notion of service and patriotism in the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and keeping the name of SMACK high. Muhoozi then dedicated the award to the men in the forces who have worked hard to make Uganda secure. 

Fast forward to present day, Muhoozi is now Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a role he has been serving for nearly month now following his appointment by President Yoweri Museveni on March 21 and subsequent taking of office a week later.

Muhoozi, who turns 50 on Wednesday (April 24), succeeded Gen. Wilson Mbadi Mbasu as Uganda's 13th CDF.

Here is a timeline of his first month as the army commander:
_______________________

 March 21, 2024:     Muhoozi appointed CDF

President Yoweri Museveni, who is the Commander-in-Chief of Uganda’s armed forces, appoints Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba the new CDF.

 March 28, 2024:    Mbadi hands over office to Muhoozi

New CDF Gen. Muhoozi takes over his new office at a handover event held at the UPDF 4th Division headquarters in Gulu.

In his inaugural speech as army commander, he vows to fight graft, abuse of resources in army.  He also calls upon UPDF troops to maintain their position as defenders of African interests by defending emerging technologies.

Muhoozi also vows to improve the welfare of soldiers by fighting the evil of corruption and mismanagement of resources.

Taking over as the 13th CDF, Muhoozi promises that the UPDF under his charge will continue being professional, moral and tackle comprehensive national security.

Gen Caleb Akandwanaho (Salim Saleh), the Senior Presidential Advisor of Defence and Security, presides over the transfer of power ceremonies.

 April 2, 2024:    CDF hails Commando Brigade

Defence chief Muhoozi commissions the commandos’ administration block at Ruhengyere Barracks, also known as Camp Rufu, in western Uganda.

Speaking at the commissioning, the CDF thanks the 206 Commando Brigade for being true warriors but also for effectively using the little resources they received. The CDF described the 206 Commando Brigade as a model unit within the UPDF.

In 2007, Muhoozi commanded the decisive defeat of the ADF in Bundibugyo, in an operation where 80 enemy forces and the ADF’s third in command were killed in action.

At that battle, the commandos established their reputation of being hardened warriors that can overcome any enemy.

 April 11, 2024:    Muhoozi rallies commanders on excellence

Gen. Muhoozi tasks the top military commanders recently deployed at different levels of leadership in the UPDF with aiming for excellence.

“This is important so that those who come after you will appreciate the great work done and the legacy to uphold,” he says while addressing several military service chiefs and commanders as well as officials of the defence ministry.

 April 11, 2024:     CDF honours ex-UPDF leaders

CDF Muhoozi pays tribute to all former UPDF leaders for their contributions, noting that the force’s top offices have been occupied by great generals.

 April 18, 2024:   Muhoozi hosts Rwandan military bosses

Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces holds talks with a delegation from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), with Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi leading the visiting Kigali team.

Muhoozi, who also serves as the senior presidential advisor on special operations, has played a significant role in fostering improved relations between Uganda and Rwanda.

His efforts have included multiple meetings with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in both Uganda and Rwanda.

 April 22, 2024:     'No sacrifice is too great'

Gen. Muhoozi hails retiring senior officers for their commitment to serving Uganda throughout their time of service in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). "Our mission to have a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Uganda does not end because we stop wearing uniforms," he says.

“For Uganda, our fatherland, no sacrifice is too great. Officers and men have demonstrated the commitment to serve the country over decades and through countless operations."

“You do not hear of a monk or a priest retiring, but they can step back from a full-time retirement because there is a life commitment to the church. Similarly, we are priests, and our church is in Uganda. Our mission to have a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Uganda does not end because we stop wearing uniforms. In civilian life, you remain our listening posts and ambassadors," Muhoozi tells the group.

 April 22, 2024:    Muhoozi mourns Kenya's CDF

Gen. Muhoozi mourns his fallen Kenyan counterpart, Gen. Francis Omondi Ogolla, who was killed when his helicopter went down shortly after takeoff in a remote forested area of northwestern Kenya.

“I am saddened to learn of the helicopter crash that claimed the life of my counterpart, Gen. Ogolla, the CDF, KDF, and other KDF officers," says Muhoozi.

“As the UPDF, we recall a particular incident that highlights Gen. Ogolla’s commitment to service. During the tragedy of the UPDF helicopters crashing into Mt. Kenya in 2012, he was the commander of Nanyuki Air Base, and he climbed up the mountain himself to search for survivors. His actions directly contributed to the rescue of two helicopter crews.”