Deputy CDF Okiding tasks 4th Division Commander to strengthen border security
The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has tasked the newly appointed commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Wilberforce Sserunkuma Karate, with strengthening security along Uganda’s borders with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Lt Gen. Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), witnesses the change of command at the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Gulu, as Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori hands over to Maj. Gen. Wilberforce Sserunkuma on August 21, 2026. (Courtesy)
________________
GULU CITY — Lt Gen. Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), has tasked the newly appointed commander of the UPDF 4th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Wilberforce Sserunkuma Karate, with strengthening security along Uganda’s borders with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Okiding made the remarks on Friday, August 21, 2026, while presiding over the change of command at the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Gulu City.
Sserunkuma formally assumed command from Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, who had led the division since June 17, 2024. Sserunkuma previously commanded the UPDF 3rd Infantry Division. Close sources said Busizoori returns to the headquarters for redeployment.
Okiding call comes amid previous security tensions along the South Sudan border. On July 28, 2025, UPDF soldiers in Yumbe District clashed with South Sudanese forces after Uganda accused the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) of establishing an unauthorised military position on Ugandan territory.
The 4th Infantry Division is responsible for five administrative areas in West Acholi—Gulu, Omoro, Gulu City, Nwoya, and Amuru—and the wider West Nile sub-region. Its area of responsibility includes operations along Uganda’s international borders with South Sudan and the DRC.
In the July clash, one UPDF soldier and three SSPDF soldiers were reportedly killed in the confrontation.
In Zombo District, community leaders have also reported occasional attacks on UPDF personnel by armed groups originating from the DRC. Such attacks have reportedly targeted soldiers in attempts to seize firearms and ammunition.
Busizoori praised for civil-military relations
On Friday, Okiding commended the division for progress in border security but urged Sserunkuma to build on those efforts and strengthen protection of the country’s borders.
He also commended Busizoori for his work in Acholi and for mobilising support for President Yoweri Museveni in the 2026 general election.
The commander was praised by military and civilian leaders for strengthening relations between the UPDF and communities in northern Uganda.
Under his leadership, the Division oversaw the construction of two firing ranges, including what was described as the largest firing range in the country.
He also played a role in stabilising the volatile Apaa land dispute, contributing to the transformation of the area from a conflict-prone zone into an important food-producing region.
Beyond security and development initiatives, he championed community welfare programmes, including the rehabilitation of 45 boreholes for local communities as part of activities marking the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations.
Busizoori was also credited with implementing the 2023 presidential directive on commercial charcoal production in northern Uganda and overseeing the eviction of errant Balaalo herders in Acholi.
In his report, Busizoori said the division had made progress in maintaining stability in the region and urged his successor to preserve unity, professionalism, and cooperation among soldiers and civilian leaders.
He cited his experience working with Sserunkuma in the 3rd Infantry Division, where he said they contributed to efforts that reduced insecurity in Karamoja.
Busizoori also called for continued efforts to combat gun violence in Acholi. He argued that suspects involved in armed violence should face strong legal consequences, while emphasising the need for continued engagement between the military and local communities.
Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen. Sam Okiding commissions the Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba Conference Hall at the UPDF 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Gulu. Looking on are State Minister for Northern Uganda Beatrice Akori, Maj. Gen. Wilberforce Sserunkuma and Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori. (Courtesy)
During his tenure, the division commenced construction of the sh100m Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba Hall, which was commissioned by Okiding on Friday (August 21).
Sserunkuma promises continuity
In his first address as division commander, Sserunkuma pledged to build on Busizoori’s work rather than introduce sweeping changes.
He described Busizoori as a mentor and a calm military leader and asked residents of Gulu to embrace him as one of their own.
He promised to maintain an open-door policy and encouraged civilian leaders and commanders to help him address his shortcomings.
He also assured soldiers under his command that he would serve as a parent, commander, and leader whom they could approach freely.
Sserunkuma will be deputised by Col Richard Kidega Obura.
Leaders pledge support
Guests at the events included: State Minister for Northern Uganda Beatrice Akori, commanders from brigades under the 4th Division, Resident District Commissioners from across Northern Uganda and local council leaders.
Local leaders praised Busizoori for strengthening cooperation between the military and civilian population and pledged to support the new commander.
Pauline Ayoto, LC1 chairperson of Kasubi Cell, where the UPDF barracks are located, said Busizoori had consistently supported local leaders.
Gulu City Resident City Commissioner Ambrose Onoria described Busizoori as a father figure who helped bridge the gap between soldiers and civilians.
Amuru Resident District Commissioner Osborn Geoffrey Oceng said Busizoori had transformed the barracks into a center for mediation and pledged support for Sserunkuma.
Gulu City Mayor Julius Acire Labeja Gunya also praised Busizoori as a champion of civil-military relations, particularly in efforts to address gun violence.
Labeja urged the new commander to exercise caution in dealing with communities still affected by the legacy of the Lord’s Resistance Army war.
The event also featured performances by the Bongo dance troupe, which presented traditional Acholi dances, including the Bwola royal dance and Larakaraka courtship dance, as community members gathered to bid farewell to Busizoori and welcome his successor.