Deputy CDF cautions promoted officers on 'heavy duty' ahead
“To my colleagues who have been promoted today, heavy duty is awaiting. More eyes are on you. More people will depend on you,” Okiding told the officers.
Maj Gen. Chris Bagonza Musinguzi 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. (Photos by David Lukiiza)
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The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (D/CDF), Lt. Gen. Samuel Okiding, has cautioned the newly promoted senior officers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) that their new ranks come with heavier responsibilities, greater scrutiny and increased expectations from the army and the country.
Okiding, who represented the CDF, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, at the decoration ceremony held at the UPDF headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, said promotion should not be viewed as an end in itself, but as the beginning of a more demanding phase of military service.
“To my colleagues who have been promoted today, heavy duty is awaiting. More eyes are on you. More people will depend on you,” Okiding told the officers.
The ceremony saw 66 senior officers decorated following their promotion to higher ranks. Of these, 27 were generals, comprising six officers promoted to the rank of Major General and 21 to Brigadier General. Another 39 officers were promoted to the rank of Colonel.
Among those promoted to Major General were; Maj. Gen. Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga (who was confirmed to the rank) and Maj. Gen. Chris Musinguzi Bagonza. The Brigadier General promotions included James Rwakisheija Itungo, Stuart Ruteikara Agaba, and David Apeero, while Fred Kakaire, Emmanuel Ayuk Ewama and Erias Byamukama were among those promoted to the rank of Colonel.
Promotion is earned
In his address, Okiding challenged the officers to view their promotions as recognition of service and sacrifice rather than an entitlement based on years spent in the military.
Maj Gen. Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga speaking during the event
According to Okiding, the newly promoted officers had earned their positions through long hours of service, difficult assignments, sacrifice and commitment to the UPDF mission.
“You worked for it, you sacrificed for it, and finally, it has come. And you are still on that journey,” he said and further urged officers who hope to rise further through the ranks to focus on their responsibilities instead of becoming pre-occupied with when the next promotions will be announced.
He added; “As we wait for more names to follow, you do the right thing. Do what you are supposed to do. Do what you are tasked to do."
Higher rank, greater responsibility
Okiding said the ceremony should also remind the promoted officers that military leadership becomes more demanding as one rises through the hierarchy.
“As we climb in the ranks, it’s important to realise that it comes with added responsibilities that require hard work, more dedication, team spirit, and sacrifice,” he said.
He likened the increasing demands of military leadership to turbulence, arguing that the higher officers rise, the more difficult the challenges they are likely to encounter.
To the promoted officers, he said, the expectation would now be greater because more people would look to them for leadership. He urged them to embrace the responsibilities attached to their new positions and continue serving with commitment.
The ceremony also placed emphasis on the contribution of spouses and families to the careers of military officers. Okiding said promotions were not solely personal achievements because families often bear significant responsibilities when officers are away performing military duties.
“The celebrations are not yours alone; this one is shared, because our spouses always bridge the gap,” he said. Okiding said spouses often take responsibility for keeping families running when officers are deployed, including ensuring that children go to school and receive care.
“When we are not there, they are the ones who stand. They are the ones who make sure that children go to school and eat when we are in our jungles,” Okiding said. He called on the military fraternity to recognise and appreciate spouses for the sacrifices they make in supporting officers.
New ranks are not for show
Speaking on behalf of the decorated officers, Maj. Gen. Ssemwanga said the promotions should be treated as a new call to duty rather than an opportunity for relaxation.
“Today’s decoration is not meant for relaxation, but rather a call to work even much harder. These new ranks are, therefore, not for show, but rather a heavy load of responsibility from today henceforth.”
Ssemwanga thanked President Yoweri Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, for recognising the officers’ contribution to the country’s peace and stability.
He also thanked the UPDF leadership, led by Gen. Kainerugaba for trusting, mentoring and recommending officers for promotion.
Okiding said the officers remained committed to the UPDF mission and understood that their advancement would require greater sacrifice.
Okiding reinforced the message by quoting Luke 12:48, which speaks about the greater responsibility placed on people entrusted with more.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked,” he said.