Brigadier General John Mango Baraza has officially assumed office as the Chief of Staff (COS) of the Special Forces Command (SFC), succeeding Brigadier General Paul Wanyera Namawa, who is set to attend the National Defence Course at Kimaka in Jinja.
The handover ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Commander of the Special Forces Command, Brigadier General Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Brig. Gen. Namawa, the pioneer Chief of Staff of the SFC, assumed the position on August 23, 2024, following the establishment of the office under the UPDF Establishment 2021. The office is responsible for overseeing the control and administration of the Special Forces Command.
Presenting his handover report, Brig. Gen. Namawa highlighted the office’s structure, mandate, achievements, ongoing projects, planned initiatives, and recommendations for his successor. He noted that during his tenure, the command completed and advanced several key infrastructure projects, including accommodation units, office blocks, health centres, training school dormitories, cookhouses, stores, and the renovation of existing facilities.
He expressed gratitude to the UPDF leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility of serving as the first SFC Chief of Staff. He also thanked the Commander of the Special Forces Command, Major General David Mugisha, for his guidance and unwavering support, and commended the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his leadership.
Brig. Gen. Namawa further conveyed his appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for his continued guidance in building a professional and capable army.
In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Baraza accepted the responsibility with gratitude and pledged to work closely with the SFC leadership and personnel to further strengthen the command. He called for teamwork, cooperation, and dedication among all officers and staff.
Before his appointment, Brig. Gen. Baraza served as the Director of Human Resource Management (DHRM) at the SFC. He handed over that office to Colonel Night Ikiriza, who previously served as Deputy Director of Human Resource Management and Head of Administration.
Presiding over the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Nyakikuru praised Brig. Gen. Namawa for laying a firm institutional foundation for the Office of the Chief of Staff and commended his exemplary leadership and achievements during his tenure. He congratulated him on his selection for the prestigious National Defence Course and wished him success in his studies.
Welcoming Brig. Gen. Baraza to his new role, Brig. Gen. Nyakikuru encouraged him to build on the progress already made, consult his predecessor whenever necessary, and continue fostering teamwork, professionalism, and commitment in advancing the mission of the Special Forces Command.
