Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba takes over as CDF of the UPDF

Mbadi is now the State Minister for Trade.

It was presided over by the Special Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security and also Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) Gen Caleb Akandwanabo, commonly known as Salim Saleh.

Gen Saleh congratulated both the incoming and outgoing CDFs upon their tour of duty and implored them to continue preserving their health.

He also urged them to cautiously uphold the first pillar of "Musevenomics", which is the security of life and property for social economic transformation.

Gen Muhoozi replaces Outgoing Gen Wilson Mbadi now appointed State Minister for Trade.

Gen Muhoozi is the new CDF pulse uganda

Taking over, as the 13th CDF, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba promised that the UPDF under his charge would continue being professional and tackle comprehensive national security.

The 49-year-old also expressed his profound gratitude to the President and Commander in Chief of the UPDF Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his wise stewardship that has grown UPDF to what it is today.

" UPDF continues to be the principal pillar of the Ugandan state that all Ugandans respect. UPDF is the central institution of Uganda's nationhood because entry into it is open to all Ugandans," he said.

Gen Muhoozi further emphasized that having the best equipment, uniforms, education and accommodation among others; can only be done by fighting corruption and mismanagement of resources.

He promised to work with every soldier to achieve what’s expected of the forces.

"Continue with our role in securing the non-military aspects of security like environmental, cyber, and political security," Gen Muhoozi cautioned troops.

Gen Salim Saleh and the outgoing CDF Mbasu Mbadi pulse uganda

The new CDF, also called upon troops to maintain their position as defenders of African interests by defending emerging technologies.

Speaking at the ceremony, Gen Mbadi congratulated the incoming CDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba upon his new appointment as CDF.

Mbadi underscored the ongoing threats posed by an inadequate defence budget where defence continues to get only 47% of its required budget, extremist organizations (terrorists), sabotage, cross-border tensions, cyber crimes and livestock theft.

Gen Mbadi concluded by noting that the country is calm and peaceful despite the infiltration of negative elements and negative political activism, environmental challenges and cross-border tensions from Eastern DR Congo, South Sudan and Somalia.

The instruments of power that were handed over to the Incoming CDF included Uganda Constitution, UPDF Act 2005, UPDF Doctrine, UPDF Defence Policy, UPDF Establishment 2020/21, MOD Policy Statement 2024/25 and National Defence Policy

Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba comes in as the top army chief after Hon Gen Wilson Mbadi, Hon Gen David Rubakuba Muhoozi, Hon Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, Late Hon Gen Aronda Nyakairima, Late Maj Gen James Kazini, Hon Gen Abubaker Jeje Odongo, Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu, Gen Caleb Akandwanabo, Late Gen Elly Tumwine and others.

The function was also attended by the Permanent Secretary MODVA Mrs Rosettie Byengoma, UPDAF Under Secretary Finance and Administration Mr James Mutabazi, Director General of External Security Organisation (ESO) Mr. Joseph Ocwet, former Director General of ESO Hon David Pulkol, and Chief Advisor OWC Ambassador Philip Idro.

Other Attendees were: Commander of the African Transition Mission in Somalia Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, Managing Director National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Lt Gen James Mugira, Special Presidential Advisor (designate) Hon Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, Commander Reserve Force Lt Gen Charles Otema Awanyi, Commander Land Force Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, former Joint Chief of Staff (JCOS) Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, Commander Special Forces Command (SFC) Maj Gen David Mugisha, Deputy Commander AirForce Brig Gen Stephen Kiggundu, among other invited UPDF Generals, Service Commanders, Chiefs and Directors.