The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has appointed Maj Bilal Katamba as the acting Deputy Defence Public Information Officer, succeeding Col Deo Asiimwe Akiiki, who was recently reassigned as the military assistant to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
In his handover remarks, Akiiki urged the media to extend their support to Katamba as he steps into the role, working alongside his senior, Acting Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye.
Before his new appointment, Maj Katamba served as the spokesperson for the UPDF Mountain Division and Shujaa Operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where he communicated Uganda’s military efforts against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Since the UPDF launched an offensive against the ADF in November 2021, Katamba has been at the forefront, providing updates on successful air and ground operations against the terrorist group.
However, despite these efforts, ADF attacks have persisted, including the recent massacre of over 50 Ugandans, 40 of whom were students at Mpondwe border point in Kasese District.
Katamba is no stranger to military public relations, having previously served as the UPDF contingent spokesperson in Somalia two years ago. Before that, he was the spokesperson for the UPDF First Division in Kakiri, a role later taken over by Maj Charles Kabona.
With his wealth of experience in military communication and operational briefings, Katamba is expected to bring strategic insights and effective engagement to his new position.
