By Our Staff Reporter

ENTEBBE, Uganda – Tuesday, 4 August 2026.
Brigadier General John Mango Baraza has officially taken over as the Chief of Staff (COS) of the Special Forces Command (SFC), succeeding Brigadier General Paul Wanyera Namawa, who has been selected to attend the National Defence Course at Kimaka in Jinja.

The handover ceremony was held at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe on Thursday, July 30, and was presided over by the Deputy Commander of the Special Forces Command, Brigadier General Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru.

Brig. Gen. Namawa leaves office after serving as the first-ever Chief of Staff of the Special Forces Command, a position he assumed on August 23, 2024, following the establishment of the office under the UPDF Establishment 2021. During his tenure, he played a key role in strengthening the command’s administrative structures and institutional capacity.

In his handover report, Brig. Gen. Namawa highlighted major achievements realised during his time in office, including the completion and expansion of critical infrastructure across SFC formations. These projects included the construction of accommodation units, office buildings, health centres, training school dormitories, cookhouses, storage facilities, and the renovation of existing installations aimed at improving the welfare and operational readiness of personnel.

He expressed gratitude to the UPDF leadership for the confidence placed in him to serve as the inaugural SFC Chief of Staff. He also thanked the Commander of the Special Forces Command, Major General David Mugisha, for his guidance and support throughout his tenure, while commending the leadership of the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for steering the force. Brig. Gen. Namawa further acknowledged the Commander-in-Chief, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for his continued support in building a professional and capable Uganda People’s Defence Forces.

Taking over the office, Brig. Gen. Baraza pledged to build on the progress achieved by his predecessor and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Special Forces Command through teamwork, discipline, and professionalism.

“I look forward to working closely with the leadership and all personnel of the Special Forces Command to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the institution,” he said, while calling on officers and soldiers to remain committed to the command’s mission.

Before his appointment, Brig. Gen. Baraza served as the Director of Human Resource Management in the Special Forces Command. He handed over that position to Colonel Night Ikiriza, who had been serving as the Deputy Director of Human Resource Management and Head of Administration.

Speaking during the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Nyakikuru praised Brig. Gen. Namawa for laying a strong institutional foundation for the Office of the Chief of Staff and credited him for the significant milestones achieved under his leadership.

He congratulated Brig. Gen. Namawa upon his selection to attend the prestigious National Defence Course, describing it as an important step in his professional military career.

Welcoming Brig. Gen. Baraza into his new role, Brig. Gen. Nyakikuru urged him to build upon the gains already made, consult his predecessor whenever necessary, and continue promoting teamwork, accountability, and professionalism within the command.

The ceremony also witnessed a series of leadership changes across various departments and formations within the Special Forces Command. Among the appointments, Colonel Gilbert Owamagyezi assumed office as Director Political Commissar, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Murema became Commander of the 16 Service Brigade, while Lieutenant Colonel Sam Kabweera took over command of the 2 Protective Agents Brigade.

Other appointments included Major A.K. Mugabi as Commandant of the VVIP Training School at Sera Kasenyi, Major R.R. Mutungi as Commanding Officer of the 6 Infantry Battalion, Major A. Nsobya as Commandant of Fort Samora Machel Training School in Waza, Lieutenant Colonel A.C. Kaawe as Deputy Director of Operations, Lieutenant Colonel Justus Kakonge as Commander of the 804 Motorised Infantry Brigade, Colonel P.M. Lokut as Director of Personnel Policy, Major Fred Mugabi as Commanding Officer of the 2 Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel M. Muyanda in the Directorate of Operations Administration, Captain J. Kabandize as the new Public Information Officer, Captain G. Chandiga as Chief Instructor at Fort Samora Machel Training School, and Lieutenant S.M. Tumusiime as Intelligence Officer at Nakasero.

The latest leadership reshuffle forms part of the Special Forces Command’s ongoing efforts to strengthen command structures, improve administration, and enhance operational effectiveness across its formations as the elite unit continues to execute its constitutional mandate.