By Our Staff Reporter

ENTEBBE, Uganda – Sunday was 2 August 2026.
The Special Forces Command (SFC) has continued its leadership transition with the appointment of Lt. Col. Frank Murema as the new Commander of the 16 Service Brigade, following a series of handover and takeover ceremonies held on Sunday.

Lt. Col. Murema assumed command of the brigade after formally handing over his previous position as Deputy Director of Operations at the SFC Headquarters to Lt. Col. A.C. Kaawe.

The change of leadership at the 16 Service Brigade headquarters in Busambaga, Entebbe, marked another step in the implementation of recent appointments within the elite force. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Allen Atuhaire, who had been serving as Acting Head of the brigade, presented the official handover report on behalf of the outgoing Brigade Commander, Col. R.R. Tugume, who has proceeded to the National Defence College to undertake a strategic military course.

The report highlighted significant progress made under Col. Tugume’s leadership, including the construction of modern storage facilities, expanded fuel reserves, a new main quarter guard, and other key infrastructure projects that have strengthened the brigade’s logistical and operational capabilities.

Presiding over the ceremony, Special Forces Command Commander Maj. Gen. Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru praised Col. Tugume for his dedicated service and the lasting impact of his leadership on one of the SFC’s most critical formations.

Maj. Gen. Nyakikuru challenged the incoming commander to build on the brigade’s achievements by promoting teamwork, professionalism, discipline, integrity, and effective coordination. He described the 16 Service Brigade as the backbone of the Special Forces Command’s welfare and logistics system, emphasizing that strong leadership would remain essential to sustaining operational excellence.

“As the brigade continues to play a vital role in supporting SFC operations, maintaining unity, accountability, and high professional standards will be critical to its continued success,” he noted.

The SFC Commander also announced the appointment of Lt. Col. Allen Atuhaire as Deputy Brigade Commander. Her previous role as Brigade Operations and Training Officer will be filled at a later date.

Earlier at the SFC Headquarters, Director of Operations Col. Philip Mugizi commended Lt. Col. Murema for his professionalism and commitment during his tenure as Deputy Director of Operations, crediting him for contributing to the successful planning and execution of several SFC operations.

Col. Mugizi welcomed Lt. Col. Kaawe into his new position and encouraged him to embrace innovation by integrating emerging technologies and modern operational approaches to improve mission effectiveness and operational readiness.

The ceremonies were attended by senior commanders and officers of the Special Forces Command, 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 officers, junior officers, and non-commissioned officers.

The latest leadership changes reflect the Special Forces Command’s continued commitment to strengthening institutional leadership, enhancing operational effectiveness, and ensuring continuity in command across its key formations.