Lt Gen. Okiding Urges Officers to Mentor Juniors as Maj Gen. Sserunkuma Takes Command of 4 Infantry Division

What the report says

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General Lt Gen Sam Okiding has called on senior officers to actively mentor junior personnel, saying that guidance and professional development are important for strengthening discipline and career growth within the force. He made the remarks at a handover ceremony at the UPDF 4 Infantry Division headquarters in Gulu, where Maj Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma officially took over command from Maj Gen Felix Busizoori.

Okiding encouraged the incoming commander to build on the work already done at the division and maintain its focus on security, professionalism and engagement with local communities. Maj Gen Sserunkuma, in turn, said he would continue and reinforce the civil-military relations structures established under Busizoori, which he described as important for peace, security and stability in the region.

Watchdog Uganda reported that Busizoori leaves the division after a period marked by security operations and development initiatives. The article says the division was involved in efforts against the CODECO militia in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo under Operation Mlinzi wa Wanyonge and in reducing cross-border incursions from South Sudan. It also credits the division with infrastructure and community projects, including firing ranges, a conference hall at the headquarters and rehabilitation of boreholes for local communities.

The ceremony in Gulu was attended by Northern Uganda State Minister Beatrice Akori, local leaders and Resident District Commissioners from the region.