Brigadier General John Mango Baraza has officially taken over as the new Chief of Staff of the Special Forces Command (SFC), replacing Brigadier General Paul Wanyera Namawa, who has been selected to attend the prestigious National Defence Course at Kimaka in Jinja. The leadership transition marks another important step in strengthening the command structure of one of Uganda’s elite military formations.
The handover ceremony was held at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe on Thursday and was presided over by the Deputy Commander of the Special Forces Command, Brigadier General Asaph Mwetise Nyakikuru. Senior military officers, commanders and staff witnessed the event, which also featured the transfer of several other key appointments within the command.
While handing over office, Brig. Gen. Namawa reflected on his time as the pioneer Chief of Staff, a position he assumed on August 23, 2024, after the office was created under the UPDF Establishment 2021. He presented a detailed report covering the office’s structure, responsibilities, achievements, ongoing projects and future recommendations.
During his tenure, Brig. Gen. Namawa oversaw the completion and progress of several infrastructure projects aimed at improving the welfare and operational capacity of the Special Forces Command. These included the construction of accommodation units, office blocks, health centres, training school dormitories, cookhouses, stores and the renovation of existing facilities.
He thanked the UPDF leadership for giving him the opportunity to serve as the first Chief of Staff of the Special Forces Command. He also expressed gratitude to the Commander of the Special Forces Command, Major General David Mugisha, for his guidance and support, while praising Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his leadership. Brig. Gen. Namawa further appreciated Commander-in-Chief President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his continued support in building a professional and capable army.
Taking over office, Brig. Gen. Baraza pledged to work closely with the SFC leadership and all personnel to further strengthen the command. He called on officers and soldiers to embrace teamwork, cooperation and dedication as they continue carrying out the command’s mission.
Before his appointment as Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Baraza served as the Director of Human Resource Management in the Special Forces Command. During the ceremony, he officially handed over that position to Colonel Night Ikiriza, who had been serving as the Deputy Director of Human Resource Management and Head of Administration.
Brig. Gen. Nyakikuru praised Brig. Gen. Namawa for laying a strong institutional foundation for the Chief of Staff’s office and for his outstanding leadership during his tenure. He congratulated him upon his selection for the National Defence Course and wished him success in his studies.
He also welcomed Brig. Gen. Baraza into his new role, urging him to build on the achievements of his predecessor, consult whenever necessary and continue promoting teamwork, professionalism and commitment within the Special Forces Command.
The ceremony also saw the handover of several other important positions across the Special Forces Command. Among the changes were new commanders for brigades, infantry battalions, training schools, the Directorate of Operations, the Directorate of Personnel Policy, Political Commissariat, Public Information Office and Intelligence. The appointments are part of an ongoing leadership transition intended to strengthen command, administration and operational effectiveness across the Special Forces Command.
