The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Inspector General of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, has urged senior officers to take responsibility for mentoring and developing junior personnel under their command to strengthen professionalism and career development within the force.
Lt Gen Okiding made the remarks during a handover ceremony at the UPDF 4 Infantry Division headquarters in Gulu, where Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma officially assumed command of the Division from Major General Felix Busizoori.
“Mentor your juniors whenever you are deployed,” Lt Gen Okiding advised.
He further encouraged Maj Gen Sserunkuma to build on the achievements recorded by his predecessor and sustain the Division’s focus on security, professionalism and community engagement.
In his remarks, Maj Gen Sserunkuma pledged to preserve and strengthen the civil-military relations structures established under Maj Gen Busizoori, saying such partnerships were crucial to maintaining peace, security and stability in the region.
Maj Gen Busizoori leaves the Division with a record of achievements in security and community development.
During his tenure, he played a key role in operations aimed at weakening the CODECO militia in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under Operation Mlinzi wa Wanyonge. He is also credited with contributing to the reduction of cross-border incursions from South Sudan.
Under his leadership, the Division oversaw the construction of two firing ranges, including one described as the largest in the country.
Maj Gen Busizoori also spearheaded the construction of a modern conference hall at the 4 Infantry Division headquarters. The facility, named Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba Hall after the Chief of Defence Forces, was commissioned by Lt Gen Okiding.
He also played a role in efforts to stabilise the volatile Apaa land dispute, contributing to the transformation of the area from a conflict-prone zone into an important food-producing region.
Beyond security and development initiatives, Maj Gen Busizoori championed community welfare programmes, including the rehabilitation of 45 boreholes for local communities as part of activities marking the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations.
The handover ceremony was attended by State Minister for Northern Uganda Beatrice Akori, local leaders and Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) from across Northern Uganda.
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