PHOTOS: Promoted UPDF officers get decorated

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officers who were recently promoted have today been decorated at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Mbuya.

The officers whose profiles were first read out by the Master of Ceremonies were decorated with their new ranks in the presence of their excited families.

On February 8, 2019, President Yoweri Museveni promoted over 2,000 officers to different ranks.

In the promotion announcements, Ivan Koreta was made Full General as well as Joram Mugume. The two are historicals having participated at the top level in the 1981/86 bush war which brought President Museveni to power. Also those who ate big in reshuffle were his (Museveni) son Muhoozi Kainerugaba who was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General as well as Proscovia Nalweyiso.

Nalweyiso is the highest ranking army woman in Uganda. She is also one star away from full general.

The others were Peter Elwelu the commander of the lands forces. He is most remembered for Kasese operation which flushed out the king of the Rwenzururu. James Mugir, Charles Otema, Charles Lutaaya and Joseph Musanyufu has been promoted to Lt Generals.

Notable figures who were promoted to Major Generals are Elly Kayanja, Apollo Gowa, Leopold Kyanda, Don Nabasa and Muzeeyi Sabiiti.

According to Brig Richard Karemire, the army spokesperson, about 100 of the officers were promoted to align with establishment appointments, 97 were promoted due to retirement, 130 were promoted for long reckonable record of service and 49 after successfully completing Grade II staff course.

Whereas more than 100 of the officers were promoted on recommendation by formations/units, 372 were promoted after passing promotional examinations, 27 promoted after completion of probation and 171 promoted from other ranks to officer level.