The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has said new military ranks come with heavier responsibilities, urging newly promoted Generals and Senior Officers to rise to the more demanding leadership tasks ahead.

Speaking at a pipping ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Gen. Kainerugaba said the promotions marked a deeper obligation to the nation and to the soldiers under the officers’ command.

“This ceremony is not merely a change of insignia or ranks; it represents more responsibility and heavier tasks,” he told the officers. “Your subordinates will now look up to you for mentorship, wisdom, and solutions.”

Gen. Kainerugaba, who also serves as Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, cited a biblical passage to underscore the expectations attached to higher command. Quoting Luke 12:48, he said those entrusted with greater responsibility would be held to higher standards of judgment, integrity and commitment.

He called on the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the wider security apparatus to safeguard the country’s hard-won peace, while sustaining Uganda’s contribution to allied regional missions in the spirit of Pan-Africanism.

Turning to the national political climate, the CDF urged Ugandans to maintain calm during the election period. He encouraged citizens to vote and return home promptly, saying oversight by party agents, the media and international observers would help ensure a credible process.

He warned that attempts to cause unrest would be met decisively. “Those who will try to cause trouble… will be dealt with swiftly and decisively with all the tools at our disposal, and in accordance with the law,” he said, urging political actors to comply with electoral guidelines and cooperate with security agencies.

The CDF also expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, crediting his strategic leadership with shaping the UPDF into a professional force contributing to peace in Uganda and across the region.

On behalf of the promoted officers, Jack Bakasumba, the Chief of Joint Staff and the most senior among those decorated, thanked the CDF and the Commander-in-Chief for their trust. He pledged that the officers would uphold UPDF values of integrity, courage and discipline.

The ceremony was attended by senior UPDF officials, including the Commander Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga; Commander of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi; and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Ms. Edith Butuuro.

Those promoted included Lieutenant Generals Jack Bakasumba and Francis Okello; Major Generals James Kinaalwa, Deus Sande, Charles Byanyima, William Bainomugisha and Christopher Ddamulira; and Brigadier Generals Mcdans Kamugira, Fred Zakye and Paddy Ankunda, among others.