Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, also known as “MK,” has assumed the position of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) with a strong commitment to combat corruption and improve the welfare of soldiers.
The handover/takeover ceremony took place at Gulu 4 Division Headquarters and was overseen by Gen Caleb Akandwanabo, the Special Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security and Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), popularly known as Salim Saleh.
Gen Saleh extended his congratulations to both the incoming and outgoing CDFs for their service and urged them to prioritize their well-being. He emphasized the importance of upholding the first pillar of “Musevenomics,” which focuses on ensuring security for the transformation of society and the economy.
Gen Muhoozi replaces Gen Wilson Mbadi, who has been appointed as the State Minister for Trade. As the 13th CDF, Gen Muhoozi pledged to lead the UPDF with professionalism, integrity, and a comprehensive approach to national security. He highlighted his current tasks, which include combating ADF terrorists, addressing cattle rustling in the Karamoja Sub-region, and countering cyber terrorism.
In his acceptance speech, Gen Muhoozi expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his leadership and stressed the importance of UPDF as the central institution of Uganda’s nationhood. He emphasized the need to fight corruption and mismanagement of resources to provide the best equipment, uniforms, education, welfare, and accommodation for soldiers.
Gen Muhoozi called upon troops to maintain their role in securing non-military aspects of security and defending emerging technologies. He emphasized the importance of vigilance, frugality, effective anti-corruption measures, and improvisation in countering threats.
Former CDF Gen Mbadi congratulated Gen Muhoozi on his appointment and commended President Museveni for the opportunity to serve as the head of the military. Gen Mbadi highlighted ongoing threats and the need for vigilance, effective budget allocation, and countering negative elements.
The achievements of UPDF so far include increased defence diplomacy, legal reforms, the establishment of new institutions, protection of military land, and budget increments, among others.
The handover ceremony was attended by several UPDF Generals, Service Commanders, Chiefs, and Directors.