The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has warned military commanders against office comfortability because being appointed in a given position should be considered as a short-term opportunity.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of former Deputy CDF Lt Gen Peter Elwelu to Lt Gen Sam Okiding at Mbuya Army headquarters on Thursday, Gen. Muhoozi said any military officer currently occupying an office should know it is just a tour of duty and should be prepared to leave at any time.
According to Gen Muhoozi being in an office is temporary and intended to heighten operational efficiency. “These offices are not permanent and they are for everyone to pass through when building a professional force. Tour of duty is for everyone,” Gen Muhoozi said.
At the same function, Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda handed over the office of Chief of Joint Staff (CJS) to Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba. Gen Muhoozi also urged soldiers regardless of their ranks, titles, and workstations to maintain the spirit of unity, brotherhood, and sisterhood.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the appointing authority and Commander in Chief of the UPDF H.E Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for selecting the right people to occupy these offices. I would like to caution the new office bearers to make a bigger impact at their new stations, and I also appreciate the outgoing officer for the job well done,” Gen Muhoozi said.
President Yoweri Museveni appointed Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba the new CDF almost a month ago replacing Gen Wilson Mbadi who was appointed Minister of State for Trade. Lt Gen Okiding has been commanding the African Union Transmission Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and he returned last week to take over deputy CDF roles. Museveni promoted Maj Gen Sam Kavuma to Lieutenant General and appointed him the new ATMIS commander.
Gen Muhoozi asked all UPDF office bearers to often leave a positive and indelible impact at all their respective services, units, and formations. He added that such traits manifest the peaceful culture of a professional military like UPDF.
“Do the best you can with the knowledge and perspective you have to leave an indelible and positive impact on the force,” Gen Muhoozi said.
Lt Gen Elwelu expressed appreciation to Museveni for the trust bestowed upon him when he served as Deputy CDF.
“It was a great challenge as a soldier and leader at all levels of command and control. I pledge to continue serving my country in another capacity as Special Presidential Advisor. I commended the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and UPDF fraternity for all the support given to me as deputy CDF,” Lt Gen Elwelu said.
Gen Mbadi and Lt Elwelu have been at the helm of the Army from June 2021 to March 2024 thus serving for nearly three years. Lt Gen Elwelu asked UPDF to fasten court procedures for the military and also improve the welfare of soldiers so that they can retire with a befitting package.
Lt Gen Okiding extolled Lt Gen Elwelu for the good service to UPDF in all the capacities he has served in including being second in command. “Whatever happens in the world happens at the right time, and it is by God’s commendation and chosen. I promise to serve at my best and I will work with others because when you walk with others you reach far,” Lt Gen Okiding said.
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