In a surprising move that has ignited and debate, the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has announced Gulu as the venue for the upcoming handover ceremony from Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba as the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
The decision to hold such a significant event in Gulu, rather than at the traditional venues of the Defence Head Offices in Mbuya or Bombo Barracks, has raised questions and drawn attention from military circles and beyond.
Gen. Mbadi, who has served as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the UPDF since June 2021, will be relinquishing his position to Gen. Muhoozi in the handover ceremony scheduled for March 28th.
This transition comes amidst broader changes within the military hierarchy, as announced by President Yoweri Museveni last Thursday.
Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu’s appointment as a Senior Presidential Advisor and the subsequent elevation of Lt. Gen. Samuel Okiding to the position of Deputy CDF are among the key changes highlighted.
Okiding who has been commanding the UPDF contingent in Somalia will be replaced by Sam Kavuma who has been elevated to the rank of Lt. Gen on Monday by the Fountain of Honour.
Additionally, other reshuffles within the UPDF, including promotions and reassignments, were unveiled, reflecting a strategic realignment of military leadership.
Simultaneously, President Museveni also orchestrated changes within his cabinet, introducing fresh faces and relieving incumbent ministers of their duties.
Notable appointments include Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi’s transition to the role of Minister of State for Trade Industry and Cooperatives, succeeding Harriet Ntabazi.
Furthermore, the appointment of events promoter Balaam Barugahara as the State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, alongside other newcomers, underscores President Museveni’s efforts to inject new energy and perspectives into his administration.
Against this backdrop of broader changes, the decision to hold the handover ceremony in Gulu has sparked conjecture about its underlying motives and implications.
While some speculate that the move signals a symbolic gesture towards regional inclusivity and decentralization within the armed forces, others view it through the lens of strategic considerations, given Gulu’s historical significance.
However, the UPDF has not provided explicit reasons for selecting Gulu as the venue for this significant event, leaving room for debate.
As anticipation builds for the ceremony which will be presided over by Gen. Salim Saleh Akandwanaho, observers continue to analyze the implications of this unusual choice.