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2024: Year of New UPDF Structures as Gen Muhoozi Takes Command

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2024: Year of New UPDF Structures as Gen Muhoozi Takes Command
President Museveni launches the UPDF Establishment in February 2024.

The UPDF Establishment came into effect in 2024.

On February 18, 2024, President Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, launched the UPDF Establishment 2021, ushering in a transformative era for Uganda’s military.

The announcement created a buzz across the country, with many Ugandans initially unclear about its implications.

The UPDF Establishment 2021 is a comprehensive document outlining the new structural framework of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF). It redefines the hierarchy, responsibilities, and operational command within the armed forces, aligning them with contemporary military standards and strategic needs.

At the apex of the UPDF’s revamped command chain is the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), an office now reserved for a four-star general who reports directly to the Commander-in-Chief.

This role carries significantly more authority under the new structure, enabling the CDF to make crucial decisions independently when necessary.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba currently holds the position of Chief of Defence Forces. His tenure has been marked by decisive actions reflecting the increased autonomy granted to the office.

Among his notable firsts this year was the promotion of four brigadiers—Keith Katungi, Paul Muhanguzi, Stephen Mugerwa, and Felix Busizoori—to acting Major General status, an unprecedented move enabled by the UPDF Establishment 2021.

Such promotions previously required direct approval from the President, but the reforms empower the CDF to act swiftly when circumstances demand.

Re-alignment of UPDF Services

2024 also witnessed the realignment of UPDF’s internal structures to conform to the guidelines of the new establishment.

The forces were reorganised into a quadrant comprising four distinct services: the Army (Land Forces), Special Forces, Reserve Forces, and Air Forces.

Each service is now commanded by an officer holding at least the rank of Major General.

The commanders of these services are Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga (Land Forces), Maj Gen David Mugisha (Special Forces Command), Lt Gen Charles Otema (Reserve Forces), and Lt Gen Charles Okidi (Air Forces).

Notably, the Special Forces Command (SFC), previously a unit within the UPDF, has been elevated to the status of a fully-fledged service.

In line with this development, Brig Gen Paul Namawa was appointed as SFC’s inaugural Chief of Staff, marking another historic milestone.

To support the new structure, the UPDF implemented significant changes in its command offices, aligning their functions and designations with the updated framework.

For instance, the Joint Chief of Staff (JCOS) was renamed Chief of Joint Staff (CJS), while the Chief of Personnel and Administration transitioned to Joint Staff Human Resource Management (JS-HRM).

Other transformations included:

  • The Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence becoming Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS).
  • Chief of Logistics and Engineering changing to Joint Staff Logistics (JS-LOG).
  • Chief of Training and Recruitment evolving into Joint Staff Training and Doctrine (JS-TRADOC).
  • Defence Spokesperson rebranded as Defence Public Information Officer (DPIO).

These changes reflect a streamlined approach aimed at improving operational efficiency and better defining roles within the UPDF.

Redefined Hierarchy and Responsibilities

Under the new hierarchy, the Chief of Defence Forces and the Deputy CDF hold the highest offices, occupied by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Lt Gen Sam Okiding, respectively.

They oversee the four service commanders and the Chief of Joint Staff (CJS), the third most powerful position in the UPDF.

Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba currently holds this critical role, supervising 14 other joint staff offices including Joint Staff Human Resource Management (JS-HRM), Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS Joint Staff Logistics (JS-LOG) Joint Staff Training and Doctrine (JS-TRADOC) , Defence Public Information Officer (DPIO), Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Joint Staff Health Services, Joint Staff Legal, Joint Staff Civil and Military Cooperation, Joint Staff Finance, Joint Staff Communication and Signal, Joint Staff Education, Sports and Culture, Joint Staff Civil Engineering, Joint Staff Operations, Joint Staff Policy and Strategy, Joint Staff Training and Doctrine among others.

Together, they form a cohesive framework that supports the UPDF’s expanded operational goals.

The implementation of the UPDF Establishment 2021 marked a significant leap in the evolution of Uganda’s armed forces.

With streamlined structures, empowered leadership, and enhanced operational capabilities, the UPDF is better positioned to address both national and regional security challenges.

As 2024 draws to a close, the UPDF stands as a testament to Uganda’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, and strategically capable military force.

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