Promotion means new responsibilities- SFC deputy commander Brig Nyakikuru tells officers
The Deputy Commander of Special Force Command (SFC), Brig Gen. Asaph Nyakikuru has told promoted UPDF officers that they have a huge responsibility ahead of them.He urged them to ensure that they are up to the task as they fulfil their mandate.“Your subordinates will be looking at you as a fountain of wisdom, you’ll be required to have solutions to their problems and always encourage them to take initiatives and act with responsibility,” Brig Nyakikuru said.Brig. Gen. Nyakikuru who is also the Commander of Special Force Group 2 (2SFG),made the remarks at 10 Marine Battalion Headquarters in Entebbe while presiding over the pipping and decoration ceremony of the newly promoted army officers.He advised the newly promoted army officers to double their commitment and efforts towards service because the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) expects a lot from them.“Promotion is the advancement from the current rank to the next higher rank, it’s a significant achievement in a service member’s career. Promotion is a statement of commitment, hard work, mastery of duty and skills in leadership,” he said.He appealed to the officers who have not been promoted to wait upon the timing of God, for it is always the right time.He said in biblical terms, the Bible portrays promotion as a divine favour and a reward from God.“God promotes when his timing is right, not our own (human) timing.”The Commander of Special Force Group 3 (3SFG), Col. Wilson Bagonza thanked the President and Commander-In-Chief of the UPDF for his visionary stewardship that has transformed the army from a ragtag to now a formidable force that is now exporting peace and is admired regionally.“It is the reason we are holding such functions today because it wouldn’t have been possible if there was instability.”Col. Bagonza also extended his gratitude to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for revolutionising army training.“He energised it by adding special training to us that ushered in the commando unit to SFC.”He also thanked the Commander of SFC, Maj Gen. David Mugisha for his continuous support to training.The Director- Human Resource Management- SFC, Col. John Mango Baraza presented a total of 104 officers from the Special Force Command who were recently promoted by the President of the Republic of Uganda, and the Commander-In-Chief of the UPDF for pipping and decoration.Among the 104 SFC officers promoted, 01 acting Colonel was confirmed to Colonel, 01 Lt Col was promoted to Colonel and 01 Lieutenant Colonel was confirmed, 02 Majors were elevated to Lieutenant Colonel, 09 Captains were promoted to Major, 07 Lieutenants were promoted to Captain and in addition, the probation period for 83 Second Lieutenants was terminated and were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Lt Col. Elisabeth Agaba thanked the Commander In Chief for giving them the opportunity to serve in the UPDF.She said they may not be the best from the communities but they have been given the platform to perform their duties.Lt Col. Agaba also extended her gratitude to both the CDF and the CSFC for their continued guidance. She appealed to the newly promoted officers to remain disciplined, loyal but above all be patriotic.The function was attended by Group Commanders, Brigade Commanders, Directors, Commanding Officers, Commandants, Members of Staff and Command of SFC, Senior and Junior officers including the spouses of the newly promoted officers. https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/promotion-means-new-responsibilities-sfc-deputy-commander-brig-nyakikuru-tells-officers/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum