Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced a major reshuffle of the country’s senior military leadership, changing the responsibilities of four senior officers within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The changes were announced on Saturday, August 15, 2026, and took effect immediately. They come days before Uganda is scheduled to retire 19 senior generals, including Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, who has been heading the country’s Reserve Forces.
Maj Gen Ssemwanga appointed head of the Reserve Forces
Maj Gen Joseph Ssemwanga, who previously served as Deputy Commander of the Land Forces, has been appointed the new head of Uganda’s Reserve Forces.
He replaces Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, who is among the 19 generals scheduled to retire from the UPDF next week.
The appointment represents one of the key changes in the command structure of Uganda’s military as the force prepares for a transition involving several senior officers.
Maj Gen Busizoori becomes Deputy Commander of Land Forces
Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, who previously commanded the Fourth Division of the Land Forces, has been appointed Deputy Commander of the Land Forces.
He takes over the position previously held by Maj Gen Ssemwanga.
The appointment places Busizoori in one of the senior command positions within Uganda’s Land Forces, which form the largest component of the UPDF and play a central role in the country’s military operations.
Changes also made to the Third and Fourth Divisions
Maj Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, previously commander of the Third Division, has been transferred to lead the Fourth Division.
Brig Gen Micheal Hyeroba, who served as Deputy Commander of the First Division, has meanwhile been appointed commander of the Third Division, replacing Maj Gen Sserunkuma.
The reshuffle therefore extends beyond the UPDF headquarters to the operational command of major Land Forces divisions.
UPDF confirms immediate implementation
UPDF spokesperson Col Chris Magezi confirmed that the new appointments were announced on August 15 and took effect immediately.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba congratulated the officers on their new assignments and wished them success in carrying out their responsibilities.
No detailed individual explanation was provided for each transfer, but the changes come at a significant moment for the UPDF as the military prepares for the retirement of a group of senior generals.
Reshuffle comes ahead of retirement of 19 generals
The leadership changes come just days before Uganda’s planned retirement ceremony for 19 senior generals.
The ceremony is scheduled for August 20, 2026, at the presidential residence in Entebbe.
Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, whom Maj Gen Ssemwanga replaces as head of the Reserve Forces, is among those expected to leave active military service.
The appointments ensure that key positions within the Land Forces and Reserve Forces are filled ahead of the retirement ceremony.
Gen. Muhoozi’s growing role in Uganda’s military leadership
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba serves as Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and is also a senior adviser to President Yoweri Museveni on special operations.
His latest reshuffle comes as the UPDF continues to maintain a significant role in Uganda’s security operations and regional military engagements.
The changes affect the Reserve Forces as well as the command of major Land Forces divisions, making them one of the notable adjustments to the UPDF’s senior command structure ahead of the planned retirement of several generals.
What the reshuffle means for the UPDF
Changes involving senior commanders and divisional leadership can influence military coordination, command relationships and the management of operations.
However, the UPDF has not indicated that the latest appointments are linked to a specific military operation or a new operational strategy. What is clear is that the appointments became effective on August 15, three days before the planned retirement ceremony for 19 generals on August 20.
