Kampala, Uganda – Maj. Bilal Katamba, a seasoned military officer with a proven track record in both combat operations and public communication, has been named the Acting Deputy Defence Public Information Officer of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). This appointment marks a significant step in his career, transitioning from the challenging battlefields of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the critical role of shaping the UPDF’s public image.
Maj. Katamba replaces Col. Deo Asiimwe Akiiki, who has taken on a new assignment as the Military Assistant to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Col. Akiiki, in a message to journalists, confirmed the appointment and extended his support to his successor. “Good morning, members of the Fourth Estate. Welcome Maj. Bilal Katamba as a group admin. He has been appointed Acting Deputy Director of Defence Public Information to bridge the gap until a substantive one is appointed. Give him maximum support like you have always tirelessly accorded to me,” he stated.
Maj. Katamba’s appointment is seen as a strategic move, leveraging his extensive experience in high-pressure environments. Before assuming his new role, he served as the spokesperson for the UPDF Mountain Division and Shujaa Operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the DRC. This experience honed his ability to communicate effectively during complex and sensitive military operations, particularly the UPDF’s offensive against the ADF rebels, which began in November 2021.
His previous assignments also include serving as the UPDF contingent spokesperson in Somalia two years ago, further demonstrating his international exposure and communication skills. Prior to his deployments abroad, Maj. Katamba served as the spokesperson for the UPDF First Division based at Kakiri, where he gained recognition for his forthrightness on sensitive issues.
Notably, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Maj. Katamba was vocal about human rights violations committed by the Local Defence Unit (LDU). He publicly condemned the fatal shootings and severe beatings of civilians by security personnel, assuring the public that those responsible would face trial in the Unit Disciplinary Court (UDC). His commitment to accountability was evident as some LDUs were subsequently prosecuted.
Maj. Katamba’s diverse experience, spanning from the frontlines of combat to the sensitive realm of public accountability, positions him uniquely to navigate the complexities of his new role. His ability to communicate effectively during military operations, coupled with his commitment to transparency and accountability, is expected to enhance the UPDF’s public communication efforts.
His appointment comes at a time when the UPDF’s operations, particularly against the ADF, are under scrutiny. The ADF has continued to launch deadly attacks, including the devastating massacre of over 50 people, mostly students, at the Mpondwe border point in Kasese District two years ago. Maj. Katamba’s experience in these operations will be invaluable in communicating the UPDF’s mission and progress to the public.
As he steps into his new role, Maj. Katamba is expected to be the voice of the UPDF, working closely with Ag Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, to ensure accurate and timely information is disseminated to the public. His journey from the battlefields to the press briefings underscores the multifaceted nature of modern military leadership, where communication is as crucial as combat.