First Son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has taken his oath as the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) after his appointment from his father Museveni the President of Uganda.
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba was the former Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations.
The outgoing CDF Gen. Wilson Mbadi handed over to Gen Muhoozi in a ceremony held at the 4th Division headquarters in Gulu where Gen Salim Saleh presided over the event.
Last week on Thursday 21st March, 2024, President Museveni made changes in his cabinet and where he replaced Gen Mbadi with his Muhoozi.
Gen. Mbadi was then appointed the Minister of State in charge of Trade.
ALSO READ:Â JUST IN: Museveni Appoints His Son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba As Chief of Defence Forces
During his tenure as Chief of Land Forces, at the age of 49, General Muhoozi focused extensively on enhancing the combat capabilities and welfare of the army.
“We aim to construct an efficient, modern, and accountable force capable of safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty at all times,” stated General Muhoozi at the time.
He further pledged to prioritize the health and well-being of soldiers under his command.
In terms of ideological orientation, General Muhoozi articulated his commitment to intensifying political education among both officers and enlisted personnel.
As the newly appointed head of the army, General Muhoozi assumes responsibility for operationalizing the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Establishment 2021. This document, delegated with Command, Control, and Administration authority, delineates the powers governing the command structure and administrative functions of the UPDF.
ALSO READ:Â President Museveni Changes Cabinet: Mary Goretti Kitutu Out, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi In
Outlined within this instrument are guidelines pertaining to deployment, salaries, training, and capacity building for the armed forces. Moreover, the UPDF Establishment 2021 facilitates the restructuring, amalgamation, or elimination of certain UPDF departments, with the aim of enhancing overall command, control, and administration.
Having previously served as Special Forces Commander, General Muhoozi has yet to issue an official statement subsequent to his appointment as the head of the army. Nevertheless, his close associates affirm his gratitude to both God and President Museveni for the opportunity to serve in the highest echelon of the UPDF.
The former Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, will assume the role of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) starting Thursday morning.
The transition ceremony, wherein General Wilson Mbadi will relinquish his position as outgoing CDF to General Muhoozi, is scheduled to take place at the 4th Division headquarters in Gulu, presided over by General Salim Saleh.
This decision comes following President Museveni’s announcement last Thursday, wherein he named General Muhoozi as the successor to General Mbadi.
Subsequently, General Mbadi has been appointed as Minister of State overseeing trade affairs.
