The Special Forces Command (SFC) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced a series of leadership changes following the departure of several senior officers for professional training courses.
The changes have seen Brigadier General John Mango Baraza appointed the new Chief of Staff of the Special Forces Command, replacing Brigadier General Paul Wanyera Namawa, who is set to attend the National Defence Course at the National Defence College in Kimaka, Jinja.
Brig. Gen. Namawa was the pioneer Chief of Staff of the SFC, having assumed the position in August 2024 following the establishment of the office under the UPDF Establishment 2021.
Other changes have affected several command, training, operations and administrative positions within the elite force.
Major Jimmy Omara, the SFC Public Information Officer, has also left for a course in Jinja and has been replaced by Captain Julius Kabandize.
The following officers have taken up new assignments:
- Director Political Commissariat: Colonel Gilbert Owamagyezi replaces Colonel Moses Musinguzi.
- Commander, 16 Service Brigade: Lieutenant Colonel Frank Murema replaces Colonel R.R. Tugume.
- Commander, 2 Protective Agents Brigade: Lieutenant Colonel Sam Kabweera replaces Colonel B. Matsiko.
- Commandant, VVIP Training School, Sera Kasenyi: Major A.K. Mugabi replaces Lieutenant Colonel S.B. Mucunguzi.
- Commanding Officer, 6 Infantry Battalion: Major R.R. Mutungi replaces Lieutenant Colonel Sam Kabweera.
- Commandant, Fort Samora Machel Training School, Waza: Major A. Nsobya replaces Lieutenant Colonel E. Beyendera.
- Deputy Director of Operations: Lieutenant Colonel A.C. Kaawe replaces Lieutenant Colonel Frank Murema.
- Commander, 804 Motorised Infantry Brigade: Lieutenant Colonel Justus Kakonge replaces Lieutenant Colonel Moses Maiku.
- Director of Personnel Policy: Colonel P.M. Lokut replaces Major James Turinawe.
- Commanding Officer, 2 Infantry Battalion: Major Fred Mugabi replaces Major M. Abaho.
- Administration, Directorate of Operations: Lieutenant Colonel M. Muyanda replaces Major Matumba.
- Public Information Officer, SFC: Captain J. Kabandize replaces Major J.D. Omara.
- Chief Instructor, Fort Samora Machel Training School, Waza: Captain G. Chandiga replaces Major A. Nsobya.
- Intelligence Officer, Nakasero: Lieutenant S.M. Tumusiime replaces Captain J. Kabandize.
The changes according to SFC, part of the routine leadership transition aimed at strengthening command structures, improving administration, enhancing training capacity and boosting operational effectiveness across its formations.
The SFC is a specialised unit of the UPDF responsible for strategic security operations, including protection of key national installations and personalities, specialised training and high-risk operations.
