Promoted: (left to right) Col. Michael Nyarwa, Col. Kagoro Asingura, Col. Michael Bbosa, Col. James Ruhesi, Col. John Tumwebaze, Col. John Bwinzayo, Maj. Gen. Levi Karuhanga, Col. Felix Kulayigye, Col. Mugume Baguma, Col. Charles Muhumuza, Col. Charles Tusiime, Col. Herbert Mulombe, Col. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Col. Richard Karemeire.

The UPDF officers, dressed in neatly pressed uniforms complete with gleaming black boots, took to the podium, many accompanied by their spouses. Then, they were decorated.

The officers that were recently promoted, some to the rank of colonel, were decorated at the Bombo Land Forces headquarters yesterday.

Among them were First Son Col. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, army spokesperson Col. Felix Kulayigye and Col. Charles Tusiime, a historical who took part in the 1981 attack on Kabamba Military Barracks.

They were among the 13 officers out of the 29 who were elevated to the rank of colonel from of lieutenant colonel.

Kainerugaba, who has attended command courses at Sandhurst and Fort Leavenworth, is the commander of the Special Forces Group.

Other decorated officers had been promoted from major to lieutenant colonel; captain to major; lieutenant to major (accelerated promotion) and lieutenant to captain. A total of 227 officers in the army were elevated in a series of promotions announced last week.

Other top officers decorated included Col. Kagoro Asingura (the deputy chief of legal services), Col. Baguma Mugume (the chief controller of finance) and Col. Nyarwa of marines.

Others were Col. John Tumwebaze, Col. Herbert Mironde, Col. John Bwirizayo, Col. Richard Karemire and Col. Michael Bossa.

The function was presided over by Gen. Levi Karuhanga, the commander of the Reserve Forces. It was coloured by both army brass band and the cultural and sports team.

Karuhanga said although the promotions were procedural, they were also intended to reward exemplary and dedicated service.

He challenged the promoted officers to equal their tasks.

“I urge you to remain steadfast and remain focused on our mission. I am confident that you have what it takes to execute your duties,” Karuhanga said.

Tusiime, who spoke on behalf of the newly promoted officers, pledged their commitment to serving the UPDF and the country.

By Steven Candia, The New Vision