The Special Forces Command (SFC) on Sunday 2nd, August, 2026 conducted a series of handover and takeover ceremonies as senior officers assumed new responsibilities following recent appointments within the force.
Lt Col. Frank Murema officially handed over the office of Deputy Director of Operations at the SFC Headquarters to Lt Col. A.C. Kaawe before taking over command of the 16 Service Brigade, headquartered at Busambaga in Entebbe.
At the brigade headquarters, Lt Col. Allen Atuhaire, who had been serving in an acting capacity as head of the 16 Service Brigade, formally handed over office by presenting the official report on behalf of the outgoing Brigade Commander, Col. R.R. Tugume, who has proceeded to the National Defence College for a strategic course.
The report highlighted several achievements registered under Col. Tugume’s leadership, including the construction of modern storage facilities, fuel reserves, the main quarter guard and other key infrastructure projects that have significantly enhanced the brigade’s operational and logistical capacity.
Presiding over the ceremony, the Commander of the Special Forces Command, Maj. Gen. Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, commended Col. Tugume for his exemplary leadership and dedication in leading one of the SFC’s most critical formations.
He urged Lt Col. Murema to build on the brigade’s achievements by fostering teamwork, integrity, professionalism and effective coordination.
Describing the 16 Service Brigade as the backbone of the SFC’s welfare and logistical support, Maj. Gen. Nyakikuru said strong leadership and unity would be essential in sustaining the brigade’s contribution to the force’s operational success.
The SFC Commander also announced the appointment of Lt Col. Allen Atuhaire as Deputy Brigade Commander, noting that her previous position as Brigade Operations and Training Officer will be filled in due course.
Earlier at the SFC Headquarters, the Director of Operations, Col. Philip Mugizi, praised Lt Col. Murema for his professionalism and outstanding contribution to the successful execution of SFC operations during his tenure as Deputy Director of Operations.
He welcomed Lt Col. Kaawe to his new role and encouraged him to embrace innovation by leveraging emerging technologies and modern operational approaches to enhance mission effectiveness.
The ceremonies were attended by senior SFC leaders, including the newly appointed Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. John Mango Baraza, the newly appointed Director of Human Resource Management, Hon. Col. Night Ikiriza, who also serves as the UPDF representative in Parliament, as well as senior and junior officers and non-commissioned officers.
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