The former Director of Engineering of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces’ Air Force (UPDF – AF), Col Emmanuel Kwihangana on Friday assumed the appointment of Chief of Staff Air Forces (in acting capacity) from Maj Gen James Birungi who was recently appointed by the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF as the Commander Special Forces Command (CSFC).
The hand/takeover ceremony that took place at UPDF- AF headquarters, Entebbe, was presided over by the Deputy Commander of UPDF Air Forces, Maj Gen Gavas Mugyenyi who represented the Commader Air Forces (CAF) Lt Gen Charles Lutaaya.
Col Kwihangana is an Engineer by profession and has held several appointments in UPDF – AF such as Director Personnel and Administration as well as Director Operations.
Maj Gen Mugyenyi congratulated both the incoming and out going Chiefs of Staff upon their new appointments.
He commended the selfless service rendered by Maj Gen Birungi to UPDF-AF as Chief of Staff of the Service and expressed confidence that Gen Birungi would as well excel in his new appointment . “I have no doubt that you (Gen Birungi) will excel in SFC because am sure of your excellence at work.” He further said working with Gen Birungi was a rewarding experience because he is a reliable and focused Commander. The deputy CAF urged the outgoing Chief of Staff to maintain his zeal for work and use the lessons learned from his past experiences to ease his work in his new office.
He urged the incoming Ag. Chief of Staff to emulate the zeal and positive attitude towards work like his predecessor so that he can also excel in his new office.
Gen Mugyenyi reminded officers that transfers or tour of duty are career opportunities and therefore achievements that all members in the force ought to positively utilize in building their military experiences.
The Presiding Officer further appealed to the Generals, Commanders and Directors present at the ceremony to always ensure that they uphold the NRA/ UPDF historical disciplinary standards amongst their subordinates and remain focused to the principles of the people’s struggle.
Gen Birungi congratulated and urged his succesor Col Kwihangana to maintain the high standards of Air Force and build on the ongoing programs in the Service for the betterment of Air Forces.
He pointed out projects that the Service is undertaking like cattle keeping and infrastructural development at the runway, Katabi barracks and Air Force Headquarters.
“These ongoing projects and achievements sofar registered were done through teamwork with the guidance of the CAF,” said Maj Gen Birungi.
He also promised him to remain available for any issues he might require guidance on even after the hand/take over. He expressed gratitude for the teamwork rendered by all the UPDF-AF Officers and militants during his six year tenure.
Col Kwihangana accepted the new assignment and promised to work to the expectations of UPDF – AF and UPDF at large, through teamwork.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy CAF encouraged Commanders and Directors to understand and love their jobs and do them to the fullest with maximum discipline.
“Serve with purpose and within the laws governing the UPDF and the country, ” Maj Gen Mugyenyi guided.
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