Maj Gen Kawagga Hands Over To Brig Gen Ssemwanga

Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba looks on as outgoing commander Maj Gen Sam Kawagga handsover instruments of office to incoming commander Brig Gen Joseph Ssemwanga

The Commander Land Forces Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has today presided over the handover/takeover of the UPDF 1st Infantry Division Commander at the Division Headquarters in Kakiri, Wakiso District.

This follows transfers made by His Excellency the President and Commander in Chief of the UPDF last week, that saw Maj Gen Sam Kawagga transferred to Nairobi as a Defence Advisor and Brig Gen Joseph Ssemwanga appointed Commander 1^st Division.

Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba addressing officers and soldiers of the UPDF 1st Division Headquarters in Kakiri

Lt Gen Muhoozi said these changes are part and parcel of tour of duty within the military and reminded officers that no one in the army should ever expect to be in a position forever. “You come, you do your part and you handover the button to the next officer. This is a relay and we are not in a one hundred metres dash,” said Lt Gen Muhoozi.

Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba signs a report at the handover – takeover function at the UPDF 1st Division Headquarters in Kakiri

The CLF congratulated Maj Gen Kawagga for having successfully completing his tour of duty in 1st Division added that his appointment as a UPDF representative in Kenya is a great opportunity for him to grow his career on the Diplomacy scene.

In the same spirit, Lt Gen Muhoozi equally congratulated Brig Gen Ssemwanga for his elevation to the 1 Div Commander which he said is an important position. “I have true confidence in him. I know he is capable and a very disciplined officer, hardworking and we have high hopes that he will do a good job as 1 Div Commander,” the CLF noted.

The Outgoing 1st Division Commander Maj Gen Sam Kawagga addressing officers and soldiers at the Division Headquaters in Kakiri

Speaking at the same function, Maj Gen Kawagga re-echoed that in any Government institution, there is tour of duty. “I want to thank the UPDF leadership for having entrusted me with this responsibility. This is my third time to Command a Division,” Gen Kawagga said.

Maj Gen Sam Kawagga signs a report at the handover – takeover function at the UPDF 1st Division Headquarters in Kakiri

He reminded the officers that his work as a Commander was to prepare them so that they also become commanders. “I was busy here preparing other people to take over from me,” said Maj Gen Kawagga.

Maj Gen Kawagga thanked the various Commanders who were under his command for the support they gave him during his time in office and urged them to render the same support to the incoming Commander.

Brig Gen Joseph Ssemwanga taking notes during the handover – takeover function at the UPDF 1st Division Headquarters in Kakiri

In his remarks, the incoming 1 Div Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Ssemwanga said that in Maj Gen Kawagga, he found a parent, commander, gentleman and a teacher who has always been readily available to mentor and offer guidance. “Afande Kawagga, we shall be forever be indebted to your meritorious service to this Division and the country,” said Brig Gen Ssemwanga.