In a recent ceremony at the 10 Marine Battalion Headquarters in Entebbe, Brig Gen Asaph Nyakikuru, the Deputy Commander of the Special Force Command (SFC), urged newly promoted army officers to significantly enhance their dedication and effort in service to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).“Promotion is the advancement from the current rank to the next higher rank, it’s a significant achievement in a service member’s career. Promotion is a statement of commitment, hard work, mastery of duty and skills in leadership,” he said.
During the pipping and decoration ceremony on 9th August 2024, Brig Gen Nyakikuru, who also commands the Special Force Group 2 (2SFG), encouraged those officers who had not yet received promotion to remain patient and trust in divine timing. “God promotes when his timing is right, not our own (human) timing,” he explained, citing biblical teachings which equate promotion to divine favour and reward.
The Brig Gen reminded the newly promoted officers of the substantial responsibilities that lie ahead, urging them to rise to the occasion in fulfilling their mandates. “Your subordinates will be looking at you as a fountain of wisdom,” he warned, stressing the importance of being solution-oriented, encouraging initiative, and acting responsibly.
In his remarks, Col Wilson Bagonza, Commander of Special Force Group 3 (3SFG), expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF for his visionary leadership. He noted, “It is the reason we are holding such functions today because it wouldn’t have been possible if there was instability,” illustrating the transformation of the army into a formidable force known for exporting peace and stability across the region.
Col Bagonza also commended the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for revolutionising army training and introducing special training programmes that have bolstered the SFC, as well as thanking the Commander of SFC, Maj Gen David Mugisha, for his unwavering support in training initiatives.
The Director of Human Resource Management for SFC, Col John Mango Baraza, presented the promotions for a total of 104 officers who were recently elevated by the President. The commendation included several ranks: one Ag Col was confirmed to Col, one Lt Col was promoted to Col, and 83 Second Lieutenants were elevated to the rank of Lieutenant after the termination of their probation period.
Speaking on behalf of her fellow officers, Lt Col Elisabeth Agaba expressed her gratitude towards the Commander-in-Chief for the opportunity to serve in the UPDF. She said they may not be the best from the communities but they have been given the platform to perform their duties.
Lt Col Agaba also extended her gratitude to both the CDF and the CSFC for their continued guidance. She appealed to the newly promoted officers to remain disciplined, loyal but above all be patriotic.
The ceremony witnessed an impressive turnout of Group Commanders, Brigade Commanders, Directors, Commanding Officers, Commandants, staff members, senior and junior officers, along with the spouses of the newly promoted officers, all gathered to celebrate this pivotal milestone in the careers of the promoted SFC members.
