The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations (SPA/SO) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has promoted Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga to the rank of Major General and appointed him the Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces.
In a statement issued by Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director Defence Public Information, Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF), the appointment took effect in December 2025 after Major. Geneneral Takirwa fell ill.
Major General Ssemwanga replaces Major General Francis Takirwa (RIP) who passed away this morning after illness. He was until recently the Contingent Commander of UPDF troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Before his deployment to Somalia towards the end of 2024, Major General Ssemwanga served as the 1st Infantry Division Commander with headquarters at Kakiri, Wakiso District.
