Brig Gen Chris Bagonza has officially taken over as Chief of Staff – Land Force (COS-LF), succeeding Brig Gen Micheal Kabango during a handover ceremony held at the Land Force Headquarters in Bombo.
The Chief of Joint Staff, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, who officiated the event, praised Brig Gen Kabango for his dedication and accomplishments throughout his term, and conveyed his confidence in Brig Gen Bagonza’s ability to lead and fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
Maj Gen Bakasumba delivered a firm caution against corruption, remarking, “Numerous officers are currently facing trial over corruption allegations.”
He encouraged Brig Gen Kabango to maintain his advocacy for the expansion of the Senior Command and Staff College located in Kimaka, Jinja, where he has now been appointed as Commandant.
During his farewell remarks, Brig Gen Kabango expressed appreciation to the President and UPDF leadership for their confidence in him, emphasizing that the progress in training under his leadership was consistent with the 2021 UPDF strategic direction.
“My counsel to my successor is to prioritize modernization across multiple Land Force divisions to boost effectiveness,” he stated.
Brig Gen Bagonza conveyed his gratitude for the appointment, paid tribute to his predecessors, and vowed to “uphold their legacy and further develop the solid groundwork they established” with steadfast dedication.
The event was graced by senior UPDF officials, including Brig Gen Hassan Kimbowa, Adjutant of the Joint Services Headquarters Brigade Group; Brig Gen Metland Bitumbika, General Manager of the Defence Forces Shop; and Brig Gen Edward Mutawe, Director of Human Resource Management – Land Force, along with Brig Gens Saad Katemba, Pande Kajuba, Ali Kiiza Kasauli, and other top-ranking officers.
