The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has promoted Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga to the rank of Major General and appointed him the new Deputy Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Land Forces.
According to the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Colonel Chris Magezi, the appointment took effect in December 2025 after the former Deputy Commander, Major General Francis Takirwa, fell ill. Maj Gen Takirwa passed away earlier today following a period of illness.
“Maj Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga was until recently the Contingent Commander of UPDF troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM),” Col Magezi said.
Before his deployment to Somalia towards the end of 2024, Maj Gen Ssemwanga served as the Commander of the UPDF 1st Infantry Division, headquartered at Kakiri in Wakiso District, a role in which he oversaw key operational and administrative responsibilities.
The promotion and appointment come at a time when the UPDF continues to play a significant role in regional peacekeeping and security operations, particularly in Somalia, while also strengthening command structures within the Land Forces.
Maj Gen Ssemwanga’s elevation reflects continued confidence by the UPDF leadership in officers with extensive field command and international mission experience, as the force adapts to evolving security demands both at home and abroad.
