Senior UPDF Officers Urged To Mentor Successors

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that Lt Gen Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, has called on senior officers to prepare and mentor their successors. He made the remarks in Kampala during a handover and takeover ceremony for the Commander Reserve Force, where Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany transferred command to Maj Gen Joseph Ssemwanga ahead of Otema’s retirement.

Okiding said leadership transition is important for continuity, professionalism and the long-term strength of the army. He praised Otema for 47 years of service and highlighted his role in operations linked to the pacification of northern Uganda during the conflict with the Lord’s Resistance Army, including Operation Iron Fist and Operation Lightning Thunder. He urged the incoming commander to build quickly on the work already done and to keep the Reserve Force moving forward.

Otema, reflecting on his career, said leadership includes preparing the next generation to carry institutions ahead, and he stressed unity and professionalism. Ssemwanga pledged to continue the achievements of his predecessor, work with officers and soldiers, and strengthen links between reservists and national development programmes. The ceremony was attended by other senior Reserve Force and UPDF officers. In broader terms, military handovers often serve as moments to reaffirm succession planning and institutional stability.