By Joseph Kiggundu
ENTEBBE.Brigadier General John Mango Baraza has officially assumed office as the Chief of Staff (COS) of the Special Forces Command (SFC), succeeding Brigadier General Paul Wanyera Namawa, who is set to attend a National Defence Course at Kimaka in Jinja.
The handover ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Commander of the Special Forces Command, Brigadier General Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe on Thursday 30th July, 2026.
Brig. Gen. Namawa, the pioneer Chief of Staff of the SFC, assumed the position on August 23, 2024, following the establishment of the office under the UPDF Establishment 2021. The office is responsible for overseeing the control and administration of the Special Forces Command.
Presenting his handover report, Brig. Gen. Namawa highlighted the office’s structure, mandate, achievements, ongoing projects, planned initiatives, and recommendations for his successor. He noted that his tenure oversaw the completion and advancement of key infrastructure projects, including accommodation units, office blocks, health centres, training school dormitories, cookhouses, stores, and the renovation of existing facilities.
He expressed gratitude to the UPDF leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility of serving as the first SFC Chief of Staff. He also thanked the Commander of the Special Forces Command, Major General David Mugisha, for his guidance and unwavering support, and commended the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his leadership.
Brig. Gen. Namawa further conveyed appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief, H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for his continued guidance in building a professional and capable army.
In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Baraza accepted the responsibility with gratitude and pledged to work closely with the SFC leadership and personnel to further strengthen the command. He called for teamwork, cooperation, and dedication from all officers and staff.
Prior to his appointment, Brig. Gen. Baraza served as the Director of Human Resource Management (DHRM)- SFC. He handed over that office to Colonel Night Ikiriza, who previously served as Deputy Director of Human Resource Management and Head of Administration.
Presiding over the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Nyakikuru praised Brig. Gen. Namawa for laying a firm institutional foundation for the Chief of Staff’s office and commended his exemplary leadership and achievements during his tenure. He congratulated him upon his selection for the prestigious National Defence Course and wished him success in his studies.
Welcoming Brig. Gen. Baraza to his new role, Brig. Gen. Nyakikuru encouraged him to build on the progress already made, consult his predecessor whenever necessary, and continue fostering teamwork, professionalism, and commitment in advancing the mission of the Special Forces Command.
The ceremony also marked the handover of several key appointments across the Special Forces Command:
• Director Political Commissar: Col. Gilbert Owamagyezi took over from Col. Moses Musinguzi.
• Commander, 16 Service Brigade: Lt. Col. Frank Murema took over from Col. RR Tugume.
• Commander, 2 Protective Agents Brigade: Lt. Col. Sam Kabweera took over from Col. B. Matsiko.
• Commandant, VVIP Training School, Sera Kasenyi: Maj. AK Mugabi took over from Lt. Col. SB Mucunguzi.
• Commanding Officer, 6 Infantry Battalion: Maj. RR Mutungi took over from Lt. Col. Sam Kabweera.
• Commandant, Fort Samora Machel Training School, Waza: Maj. A. Nsobya took over from Lt. Col. E. Beyendera.
• Deputy Director of Operations: Lt. Col. AC Kaawe took over from Lt. Col. Frank Murema.
• Commander, 804 Motorised Infantry Brigade: Lt. Col. Justus Kakonge took over from Lt. Col. Moses Maiku.
• Director of Personnel Policy: Col. PM Lokut took over from Maj. James Turinawe.
• Commanding Officer, 2 Infantry Battalion: Maj. Fred Mugabi took over from Maj. M. Abaho.
• Administration, Directorate of Operations: Lt. Col. M. Muyanda took over from Maj. Matumba.
• Public Information Officer (PIO), SFC: Capt. J. Kabandize took over from Maj. JD Omara.
• Chief Instructor, Fort Samora Machel Training School, Waza: Capt. G. Chandiga took over from Maj. A. Nsobya.
• Intelligence Officer, Nakasero: Lt. SM Tumusiime took over from Capt. J. Kabandize.
The changes form part of the Special Forces Command’s ongoing leadership transition aimed at strengthening command, administration, and operational effectiveness across its formations.