Sunday, September 18, 2011
The army Joint Chief of Staff, Brig. Robert Rusoke, is now a Major General, while the commander of Ugandan Contingent in Somalia, Col. Paul Lokech is now a Brigadier. Col. Lokech’s promotion could be seen as a reward for successful UPDF operations that flushed out the Somali insurgents out of Mogadishu. The al-Shabaab made a surprise withdrawal from the war torn capital in July, following intense fighting with the peacekeepers.
The 5th Division Commander, Col. Sam Kawuma, and senior presidential adviser on defence affairs, Col. Proscovia Nalweyiso, have been promoted to the ranks of Brigadiers. With this promotion, Col. Nalweyiso becomes the highest ranking female UPDF soldier. She was among the first female combatants in the National Resistance Army, now UPDF, during the five-year guerilla war against the government of Milton Obote from 1981 to 1986.
In other changes, the Chief of Logistics and Engineering, Col. Jacob Musajjawaza, has been promoted to the rank of Brigadier and transferred to the new chieftaincy of production. The new docket, which has been a directorate, is tasked with the production of food and planting of trees on UPDF-owned land in the country.
He has been replaced by Col. Victor Twesigye, who has been his deputy. Unlike in previous promotions that used to come with transfers, only one officer has been transferred.
The Chief of Staff Airforce, Col. Moses Rwakitarate, is now a Brigadier and he remains in the same position, while the new commander of Artillery Division in Masindi, Col. Okidingi has also been elevated to the rank of a Brigadier.
The deputy commandant of Senior Command and Staff College Kimaka, Col. Kasita Gowa has also been promoted to the rank of a Brigadier. Sources said this could be the beginning of more promotions and transfers to follow.