Lt Gen Sam Kavuma has assumed office as the Force Commander of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), following his appointment by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in March 2024.
He succeeds Lt Gen Sam Okiding, who was appointed Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of the UPDF.
Upon his arrival in Mogadishu on Sunday, 28 July 2024, Lt Gen Kavuma was accorded a guard of honour by UPDF troops at the ATMIS headquarters.
He subsequently received a briefing from key staff officers, led by Maj Gen Peter Muteti, Deputy Force Commander in Charge of Support and Logistics.
Lt Gen Kavuma’s appointment comes at a critical juncture, as ATMIS prepares for a phased drawdown and transition into a new mission to stabilise Somalia.
He stated, ” I am here to join the team as we implement the transition into a new mission come December 2024. As the team captain, I will head the military components in ATMIS.”
Lt Gen Kavuma expressed his gratitude for the efforts of all Troop-Contributing Countries to the mission since its inception in 2007, which has resulted in the liberation of numerous towns in Somalia.
He acknowledged the significant achievements made by various actors, including the Federal Government of Somalia, and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration to degrade Al-Shabaab, achieve peace, and enable Somalis to engage in productive development.
Lt Gen Sam Kavuma previously served as Sector One Commander from 2014-2015, overseeing the liberation of several towns in the Lower Shabelle region.
He later held positions as Deputy Commander of the UPDF Air Force and Deputy Chief Coordinator – Operation Wealth Creation in Uganda.
Present at the occasion were Maj Gen Kindu Gezu, ATMIS Military Chief of Staff; ATMIS Sector One Commander, Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, and senior and staff officers.