Brig Gen Paul Namawa who was recently promoted by President Museveni has officially assumed office as the first Chief Of Staff of Special Force Command (COS-SFC).
The chief of staff SFC is responsible for the control and administration of the special force as the principle accounting officer.
The chief of staff is answerable to the SFC commander on matters of administration and management but he is also charged with monitoring the forces’ discipline, morale and readiness
During a ceremony held at SFC headquarters in Entebbe , the Commander Special Force Command (CSFC), Maj Gen David Mugisha congratulated Brig Namawa for a well deserved appointment and elevation to rank of Brigadier.
He also thanked him for his unwavering commitment and hard work.
“As you take on your new role as the Chief of Staff of SFC, we acknowledge and commend you for the exceptional work you have accomplished as Director of Operations of SFC. Under your stewardship, the operational readiness and effectiveness of SFC troops reached new heights. Your strategic acumen coupled with unwavering commitment has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of operations especially in the protection of Very Important Persons (VIPs),”said Gen Mugisha
He further stressed that Gen Namawa’s legacy as director of operations will continue to inspire many as we carry forward our work of protecting VIPs as well as supporting the endeavours of the UPDF in securing the entire country.
In a special way Gen Mugisha thanked the president for establishing the UPDF from a ragtag force into a formidable, capable and professional force that is recognised not only in Uganda here but in the entire region.
He also thanked the CDF, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for mentoring, shaping, nurturing and grooming all officers and men of SFC right away from the time when he was appointed the Commanding Officer of motorised infantry Battalion, later 2 Tank Battle Group, Special Force command, Commander Land Force and now the Chief of Defence Forces.
He added that the CDF is the brain behind the saving culture in the SFC and the entire UPDF, emphasizing the need for value for money and promoting the welfare of officers and men of the UPDF by constructing housing units and other vital installations that are not only useful to Special forces Command but the entire UPDF.
In his acceptance speech, Brig Gen Namawa acknowledged the positive transition of the UPDF from a strategically inferior force during the liberation struggle to now an unequalled and strategically superior force that is anchoring the prosperity of our country, and as SFC we have a role to play adding to this effort.
“I humbly accept the responsibility that you have entrusted me with as we take on the role of professionalising the UPDF in line with the implementation of the UPDF establishment of 2021. As you earlier highlighted on the roles of the COS-SFC, I pledge to put a lot of focus on the following areas; team work, discipline, zero tolerance to corruption and wastage of resources, monitoring and prioritising force readiness but most importantly, ensuring the maintenance of the strategic relationship between our forces and the wanainchi as enshrined in our constitution.” Gen Namawa said.
Through the SFC commander, he sent his gratitude to the leadership of the revolution led by President Museveni whom he commended him for painstakingly and meticulously rebuilding the country and also offering to lead the forces.
He also relayed his appreciation to Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the CDF and Senior Presidential advisor on Special Operations for his mentorship and focus that he rendered UPDF all these years and for transforming SFC to what it is today.
In the same breath, he thanked the SFC commander for being a hardworking, approachable, thorough but above all, putting attention to details.
He promised to continue seeking his guidance from time to time. In a very special way he thanked his family for always enduring his absence while he is on duty. He said he draws inspiration and satisfaction from them.
During the same function, Brig Namawa handed over office at the SFC director of Operations to Col Philip Mugizi.
The SFC commander commended Col Mugizi affirming that his leadership to the new office will further elevate the directorate of operations.
He thanked him for his tireless efforts especially in enhancing training standards and doctrinal frameworks of the Special forces by ensuring that the personnel are not only well prepared but also well versed with the most advanced tactics, plans and strategies.
In the same vein, Col Mugizi who has been the director training in SFC handed over office to Lt Col Micki Lokut who until the appointment was the Commandant of Airborne Training school, Amilcar Cabral (ATSAC) .
The function was attended among others by the commander of 3 Special Force Group, Col Wison Bagonza, Directors; Col John Mango Baraza, Col Damulira sseruyange, Col Earnest Nuwaga, Col Tugume. Others members included brigade commanders, commanding officers and Commandants, all grouped as members of staff and command of Special Force Command.
