The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) conducted a series of command handover ceremonies in Jinja, with the Chief of Joint Staff, Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, presiding over the functions at the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC), Kimaka and Headquarters Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (HQ URDC).
At the Senior Command and Staff College, Brigadier General Michael Kabango handed over as Commandant to Brigadier General David Gonyi, while at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability, Brigadier General Emmanuel Kazahura assumed office from Brigadier General Ernest Nuwagaba.
Lt Gen Bakasumba said the URDC remains a critical UPDF formation established to provide rapid crisis response and management.
He added that the command is expected to become the central hub for the UPDF’s foreign operations and has been equipped with the personnel and capabilities required to effectively execute its mandate.
In his remarks, Brig Gen Nuwagaba thanked the UPDF leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the strategic unit.
“Today I formally hand over command of HQ URDC. It has been an honour to lead this unit for one and a half years. A lot has been achieved during that period, and I am optimistic that my successor will build on these achievements and take the unit to even greater heights,” he said.
On his part, Brig Gen Kazahura pledged to advance the growth and operational effectiveness of HQ URDC.
The ceremonies were attended by senior military officers, including the Commandant of the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, Brig Gen Michael Ssesanga; Jinja Cantonment Commander, Brig Gen Emmanuel Kanyesigye; Chief of Staff HQ URDC, Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso; Head of the Police Component at HQ URDC, SSP Andrew Muzira; Head of the Civilian Component, Ms Allen Ruhangatalemwa; and the Director of the National Forensic and Sciences University, among others.
