Mbuya- The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations (SPA/SO), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has promoted Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga to the rank of Major General and appointed him the Deputy Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Land Forces.
According to the statement released by Colonel Chris Magezi, the Acting Director Defence Public Information, the appointment, which took effect in December 2025, followed the illness of the former Deputy Commander, Major General Francis Takirwa.
Major General Ssemwanga now formally replaces Major General Takirwa, who passed away this morning after a period of illness. The UPDF has paid tribute to the late officer, describing him as a dedicated and professional soldier who served the force with distinction.
Until his appointment, Major General Ssemwanga was serving as the Contingent Commander of UPDF troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Prior to his deployment to Somalia towards the end of 2024, he commanded the UPDF’s 1st Infantry Division, headquartered at Kakiri in Wakiso District.
The promotion and appointment reflect the UPDF leadership’s confidence in Major General Ssemwanga’s operational experience, leadership capacity, and long record of service to the country.
The UPDF extended condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of the late Major General Francis Takirwa.
