ENTEBBE — Brigadier General John Mango Baraza has officially assumed office as the Chief of Staff (COS) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Special Forces Command (SFC), replacing Brigadier General Paul Wanyera Namawa, who is set to attend the National Defence Course at the Senior Command and Staff College Kimaka in Jinja.
The handover ceremony was held at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe on Thursday, July 30, 2026, and was presided over by the Deputy Commander of the Special Forces Command, Brigadier General Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru.
Brig Gen Namawa, who became the pioneer Chief of Staff of the SFC, assumed office on August 23, 2024, following the creation of the position under the UPDF Establishment 2021. The office is responsible for overseeing the command, administration, and coordination of SFC operations.
During the handover, Brig Gen Namawa presented a report highlighting the structure, mandate, achievements, ongoing projects, and future priorities of the Chief of Staff’s office.
He noted that during his tenure, the SFC registered progress in infrastructure development, including the construction and improvement of accommodation facilities, office blocks, health centres, training school dormitories, cookhouses, stores, and renovation of existing facilities.
Brig Gen Namawa thanked the UPDF leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility of establishing and leading the office, describing it as a privilege to serve as the first SFC Chief of Staff.
He also expressed appreciation to the Commander of the Special Forces Command, Maj Gen David Mugisha, for his guidance and support, and commended the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his leadership.
He further thanked the Commander-in-Chief, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for his continued guidance in strengthening the professionalism and capacity of the UPDF.
In his acceptance remarks, Brig Gen Baraza pledged to work closely with the SFC leadership and personnel to consolidate progress made and strengthen the command.
He called for unity, teamwork, cooperation, and commitment among officers and staff in fulfilling the SFC mandate.
Before his appointment as Chief of Staff, Brig Gen Baraza served as the Director of Human Resource Management at the SFC. He handed over that position to Colonel Night Ikiriza, who previously served as Deputy Director of Human Resource Management and Head of Administration.
Brig Gen Nyakikuru commended Brig Gen Namawa for establishing a strong foundation for the Chief of Staff’s office and praised his leadership and contribution during his tenure.
He congratulated Brig Gen Namawa upon his selection for the National Defence Course and wished him success in his studies.
Welcoming Brig Gen Baraza, Brig Gen Nyakikuru encouraged him to build on existing achievements, maintain consultation with his predecessor, and continue promoting professionalism and teamwork within the command.
The ceremony also witnessed several leadership changes across different formations and departments of the Special Forces Command.
The new appointments include:
Director Political Commissar: Col Gilbert Owamagyezi takes over from Col Moses Musinguzi.
Commander, 16 Service Brigade: Lt Col Frank Murema replaces Col R.R. Tugume.
Commander, 2 Protective Agents Brigade: Lt Col Sam Kabweera replaces Col B. Matsiko.
Commandant, VVIP Training School, Sera Kasenyi: Maj A.K. Mugabi replaces Lt Col S.B. Mucunguzi.
Commanding Officer, 6 Infantry Battalion: Maj R.R. Mutungi replaces Lt Col Sam Kabweera.
Commandant, Fort Samora Machel Training School, Waza: Maj A. Nsobya replaces Lt Col E. Beyendera.
Deputy Director of Operations: Lt Col A.C. Kaawe replaces Lt Col Frank Murema.
Commander, 804 Motorised Infantry Brigade: Lt Col Justus Kakonge replaces Lt Col Moses Maiku.
Director of Personnel Policy: Col P.M. Lokut replaces Maj James Turinawe.
Commanding Officer, 2 Infantry Battalion: Maj Fred Mugabi replaces Maj M. Abaho.
Administration, Directorate of Operations: Lt Col M. Muyanda replaces Maj Matumba.
Public Information Officer (PIO), SFC: Capt Julius Kabandize replaces Maj J.D. Omara.
Chief Instructor, Fort Samora Machel Training School, Waza: Capt G. Chandiga replaces Maj A. Nsobya.
Intelligence Officer, Nakasero: Lt S.M. Tumusiime replaces Capt J. Kabandize.
The changes mark a wider leadership transition within the Special Forces Command aimed at strengthening command structures, improving administration, and enhancing operational effectiveness across its units.