Brig. Michael Kabango on Thursday handed over the command of UPDF’s 5th Division to Brig. William Bainomugisha.
The Commander of Land Forces (CLF) Lt Gen Peter Elwelu officiated the function.
Speaking at the handover, Gen Elwelu hailed Brig Kabango for ensuring that East Acholi and Lango Sub-regions remained relatively peaceful during his tenure.
“Despite many challenges, especially that of cattle thieves from the Karamoja axis and the current COVID-19 enforcement challenges, porous borders vis-à-vis COVID-19 threats, the situation at hand in the Division is a clear testimony that the commander has selflessly served and done his best,” he was quoted by the UPDF press office.
He also lauded Brig. Bainomugisha for his role while commanding Military Police, which is now commanded by Col. Keith Katungi.
“Both Officers have mastered what the Military is. Military service is a calling, a job that takes a lot of sacrifice, courage, and dedication; attributes that are appropriately exercised by these two Commanders. If you don’t possess any of the above qualities, you lose out in the military,” said Lt Gen Elwelu.
Gen. Elwelu told new the 5th Division commander to maintain the prevailing situation in the Division. He called on commanders to uphold the UPDF’s spirit of comradeship, teamwork, and cooperation at all levels of command.
Brig. Kabango will now be heading to the African Union (AU) Peace Support Operations Department.
He has commendable experience in the area, having served as Contingent Commander for Uganda’s AU Forces in the Central African Republic of Republic and Somalia among other related deployments.
The incoming and outgoing General Officers pledged to give in their best to their new assignments and thanked the UPDF leadership for entrusting them with the new responsibilities.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Division Commander Brig Stephen Mugerwa, Brigade and Battalion Commanders from the Division as well as the Division departmental heads.