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Air Force decorates 54 promoted officers
“Promotion is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a higher calling,” Okidi said.
Maj Gen. David Robert Gonyi being decorated by the Deputy CDF Lieutenant General Sam Okiding during the ceremony at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters Mbuya on Thursday, August 27, 2026. (Photo by David Lukiiza)
By: New Vision Journalist, Journalist @New Vision
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The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Air Force has decorated 54 senior and junior officers, who were recently promoted in recognition of their service, sacrifice and commitment to the force.
According to a statement from UPDF issued on Sunday (August 30), the pipping ceremony took place at the Air Force Headquarters in Entebbe, Wakiso district.
The Commander Air Force, Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi, said promotions are earned through sacrifice, loyalty, integrity and discipline, adding that the new ranks should be viewed not as the end of a journey but as the beginning of greater responsibility.
“Promotion is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a higher calling,” Okidi said.
He urged the promoted officers to shun corruption, warning that corrupt tendencies could undermine their careers and future prospects.
“Lead by example. Impress others through your actions and inspire them to work harder to get where you are,” he said.
“Promotion is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a higher calling,” Okidi said.
He urged the promoted officers to shun corruption, warning that corrupt tendencies could undermine their careers and future prospects.
“Lead by example. Impress others through your actions and inspire them to work harder to get where you are,” he said.
The Chief of Staff Air Force, Brig. Gen. James Itungo, challenged the newly promoted officers to embrace the additional responsibilities that come with their new ranks and to lead by example rather than through force.
“The higher you rise, the further you must see,” Itungo said.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Lt. Col. Amos Mugisha, thanked the Commander-in-Chief, President Yoweri Museveni, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the entire UPDF leadership and Air Force fraternity for recognising and rewarding their service.
Mugisha said the new ranks represented not a finish line, but a greater responsibility and deeper obligation to the country and the UPDF. The ceremony was attended by Air Force directors and other senior officers.
“The higher you rise, the further you must see,” Itungo said.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Lt. Col. Amos Mugisha, thanked the Commander-in-Chief, President Yoweri Museveni, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the entire UPDF leadership and Air Force fraternity for recognising and rewarding their service.
Mugisha said the new ranks represented not a finish line, but a greater responsibility and deeper obligation to the country and the UPDF. The ceremony was attended by Air Force directors and other senior officers.