Gen Muhoozi Promotes Ssemwanga to Major General, Names Him UPDF Land Forces Deputy

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations (SPA/SO), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has promoted Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga to the rank of Major General and appointed him Deputy Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Land Forces.

The appointment, which took effect in December 2025, followed the illness of the late Major General Francis Takirwa, who passed away on Saturday after a prolonged illness.

The announcement was communicated by Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA)/UPDF.

General Kayanja Muhanga, Commander Land Forces (L) decorating then Brig Ssemwanga at the end of the former’s tuor of duty to Somalia in Decembe

Major General Ssemwanga replaces Maj Gen Takirwa, who had been serving as Deputy Commander of the UPDF Land Forces until his health deteriorated.

Prior to his new appointment, Maj Gen Ssemwanga served as the Contingent Commander of UPDF troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Before his deployment to Somalia towards the end of 2024, he was the Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, headquartered in Kakiri, Wakiso District.

The UPDF has described the appointment as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure continuity of command and operational effectiveness within the Land Forces.