The outgoing commander of the UPDF Special Forces Command, Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has appealed to the new Special Forces Command leadership to maintain the discipline, cohesion, and work ethic of the elite unit if they are to achieve greatness in the future.
Gen. Kainerugaba, made the remarks at Fort Samora Machel Special Forces School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District, at the commissioning of a modern dining hall for commandos some of whom are currently undergoing training at the Special Forces facility, the first of its kind in Uganda’s military history.
The dining hall is named after the late hero Fred Rubereza, one of FRONASA’s and NRA’s legendary bush war heroes who passed on in the early days of the resistance. Fred Rubereza was killed in a freak accident by a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) shell that he was trying to repair in 1981. The legendary fighter was a prince of Ankole and a beloved leader and comrade of many of the future leaders of the NRA.
“I’m very happy to be here, in one of my last acts as the Commander of the Special Forces. We have achieved a lot in the last seven years with many construction projects commissioned, which is unprecedented in the history of the UPDF,” said General Kainerugaba.
He revealed that nine years ago, he had scaled the remote hills of Kaweweta and dreamed of establishing the first ever Special Forces school there.
“I’m happy that Almighty God (in His infinite wisdom) has made my dream come true,” remarked the jovial General.
In a major military reshuffle announced last week, the President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces, Gen. Yoweri Museveni made several appointments and transfers of the army top echelons.
Amongst the changes, Maj. Gen. Kainerugaba was redeployed to the newly created position of Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, while Col. Don Nabasa was elevated to the rank of Colonel and appointed Acting Commander of the Special Forces Command.
General Kainerugaba thanked the SFC construction unit for consistently producing good quality work, which has tremendously improved the Special Forces accommodation, training, and water purification facilities. He urged them to maintain the facilities in good condition.
Col Don Nabasa, who has taken over at the helm of the Special Forces thanked the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations for developing the force into a lethal and tactically proficient one. “We are very proud of you sir,” said Col. Nabasa.