Alex Tushabe Joseph Jerry Mark Bahikire become colonels

This reporter has learnt that they were promoted for their outstanding selfless service to the UPDF. According to reports, an acting rank is given after "special considerations" by the CDF after he considers an officer or soldier for, say, a course but doesn't have the required rank to do it or has exceptionally or exemplary performed certain activities that reflect capacity to hold a higher rank.

This provision is given to the CDF up to the rank of Colonel.

Meanwhile, on Monday, March 25, Maj. Gen. Sam Kavuma was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General, according to Deputy Defence Spokesperson Col. Deo Akiiki, who also revealed that he is the new Force Commander at the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

Sam Kavuma's deployment comes after Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding was appointed Deputy Chief of Defense Forces (CDF). Gen. Okiding has been the ATMIS Force Commander.

President Yoweri Museveni recently made key changes in the army, appointing Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba as the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), replacing Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi who is now a minister of State for trade in the Ministry of Trade and Cooperatives.

Gen. Kainerugaba, who is the chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda and senior presidential Advisor on Special Operations previously commanded, among others, the Special Forces Command (SFC) and Land Forces.

Defence Spokesperson Brig. Felix Kulayigye also revealed that Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu was been appointed a Senior Presidential Advisor, as his position of deputy CDF was taken over by Lt. Gen. Samuel Okiding.

Maj. Gen. Leopold Eric Kyanda, who was the Joint Chief of Staff, was appointed Defence attaché and replaced by Maj. Gen. Jackson Bakasumba.

Brig. Gen. David Mugisha, who commands SFC, has been promoted to Major General while Col. Asaph Nyakyikuru is now a Brigadier General.