The Special Forces Command (SFC) has promoted and decorated 62 officers, with the military leadership urging them to uphold discipline, professionalism and accountability in their new roles.
The officers, comprising 15 senior officers and 47 junior officers, received their new ranks during a ceremony at the SFC headquarters in Entebbe.
The ceremony was presided over by SFC Commander Maj Gen Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, who told the newly promoted officers that their new ranks come with greater responsibilities and higher expectations.
He urged them to lead by example, maintain discipline and professionalism, and help develop junior personnel under their command.
Maj Gen Nyakikuru also encouraged the officers to continuously improve their knowledge and skills to meet the changing demands of military operations.
He said their promotions should translate into improved operational readiness, training, physical fitness and professional competence while maintaining unity within their respective formations.
SFC Deputy Commander Brig Gen John Bosco Asinguza similarly reminded the officers that greater authority must be matched by greater accountability.
He urged them to exercise their authority with courage, humility, fairness and restraint.
“Your strength will matter a lot, but most importantly, your character upon the rise in the ranks will matter even more,” Asinguza said.
He also recognised the contribution of the officers’ spouses and families, saying their support and sacrifices play an important role in enabling the officers to serve.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Lt Col Nicholas Kagaba, Commander of the 17th Field Engineers Brigade, thanked the UPDF leadership for recognising their service.
Kagaba pledged the officers’ continued commitment to serving Uganda with loyalty, integrity, discipline and courage.
He urged his colleagues to use their new positions to strengthen their professional skills, mentor junior personnel and contribute to the effectiveness of the UPDF.
The ceremony was attended by the Director of Human Resource Management, Col Night Ikiriza, who read the citations, as well as SFC group and brigade commanders and their deputies.
