The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces has appointed Col Francis Obita Aragamoi as the new Deputy Contingent Commander of its forces under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), replacing Col Christopher Colombus Tumwine.
The official handover took place at the contingent headquarters in Mogadishu, presided over by the Contigent Commandee Brig Gen Joseph Ssemwanga.
Brig Ssemwa commended Col Tumwine’s leadership, notably his pivotal role in reclaiming the Sabiid-Anole Forward Operating Base from Al-Shabaab insurgents.
“Our presence here reflects Uganda’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and peace across the continent. Stability in Somalia is critical for the safety and progress of all African nations,” Brig Gen Ssemwanga said.
In his own remarks Col Tumwine expressed pride in the milestones achieved during his command and extended gratitude to the leadership for their guidance and support and Col Aragamoi, upon assuming his new role, pledged to sustain the momentum.
“I will build on the progress made and ensure continuity in our mission objectives,” He stated.
The ceremony was attended by commanders, contingent staff officers, component commanders, department heads, and both senior and junior officers.
Meanwhile 90 officers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have successfully completed the Grade III Staff Course at the Junior Staff College (JSC) in Gaddafi Barracks, Jinja City and the graduates were drawn from various units and formations across the Force.
While speaking at the ceremony, the Joint Staff – Human Resource Management, Maj Gen James Kinalwa praised the milestone as a vital investment in the professional growth of the UPDF.
“We have trained and imparted competencies to officers who serve as tactical-level commanders. This will greatly contribute to the development and continuity of the Force,” Maj Gen Kinalwa said.
Maj Gen Kinalwa emphasised that training must be seen not as a cost but as a long-term investment in human capital and described it as essential to building a capable, dependable and effective military.
He encouraged the graduates to embrace their new skills with confidence and adaptability, urging them to lead with moral courage and critical thinking.
“This training is a step forward in your careers. Apply it well and be generous in sharing what you’ve learned. One of the key principles of the UPDF is teamwork, not working in isolation,” He added.
He also commended the UPDF leadership for prioritising continuous training as an integral part of the Force’s human resource development strategy.
The Commandant of the Junior Staff College, Brig Gen Chris Ogwal praised the 37th Intake, comprising ten female officers, as well-trained and prepared for tactical command responsibilities and urged the graduates to pass on their knowledge by training subordinates, thereby strengthening leadership across the Force.
During the ceremony, Lt Col Isaac Musamali was recognised for exemplary leadership, while Major Christian Agaba was named best all-around student.
The event was attended by several senior officers, who included Commandant of the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy Brig Gen Michael Ssozi Ssesanga, the Cantonment Commander Magamaga Brig Gen Wakayinja, the Commandant of the College of Logistics and Engineering Col Chris Kyanku and the Commandant of the Legal Training Centre and Col Susan Mwanga.
Also present were Senior Superintendent of Prisons Deogratious Ogwangpit, Regional Prisons Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police Muzira, representing the Regional Police Commander and other senior and junior officers from the Jinja cantonment.
