Promoted UPDF general applauds Museveni for seeing the good in him

Maj.Gen.Sam Kiwanuka, has applauded President Museveni who is also the commander in chief of the armed forces for seeing the good in him and forgiving him chance to serve Uganda.

Kiwanuka was one of the 17 Brigadiers in the Ugandan army promoted to the rank of Major General last month.

Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony at his home in Najjera on Thursday evening, Maj. Gen Kiwanuka said he had never dreamt of joining the army not until after the five year bush war that ushered in the NRM government to power.

“By the time the war broke out, I was only 16 years and still studying at St.Peter’s College in Tororo. When I returned home, I just went to join rebels but I didn’t have it in mind that I would join the army,”Maj. Gen.Kiwanuka said.

“I thought when we win the war, I would just return to my village to do other things.”

The UPDF general narrated that he was surprised when he attained the rank of captain immediately after the war.

Growing up in the army

Maj.Gen. Sam Kiwanuka said that despite joining rebels as a young kid, the army has seen him grow up to being decorated the third highest rank in the Ugandan army.

He said his love and respect for the job has enabled him to move to greater heights for the years he has served as a soldier.

“I must applaud the commander in chief (Museveni) for giving me a chance to serve my country and consequently promoting me to up the current rank.”

The UPDF general has been a military attache in a number of foreign countries, spending less time at home.

“I have never been deployed in Kampala since NRM took power neither have I ever slept in my house because I am always on duty. Since 2008, I have been sent to various countries as a military attache and I love it.”

Maj.Gen. Sam Kiwanuka has served as Uganda’s military attaché to Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia and currently Ethiopia.

Speaking at the function, former Chief of Defence Forces and now State Minister of Works and Transport Gen.Edward Katumba Wamala hailed Kiwanuka as a hardworking and trustworthy officer admired by everyone.

“He is one of those officers that if you give him something to do, you will be contented that it will be done perfectly,”Gen.Katumba Wamala said.

“I must applaud the commander in chief for rewarding him (Kiwanuka) by promoting him.”

The former Chief of Defence Forces in the UPDF also applauded spouses for army officers for always being on their side in thick and thin.

He warned youths against quick riches, saying that on many occasions, it has led them steal.

“Be faithful and trustworthy. Don’t think you can have the wealth one has achieved in 20 years in just three years. Be patient as you work hard,”Gen.Katumba advised.

The function was also attended by the UPDF Joint Chief of Staff, Lt.Gen. Joseph Musanyufu, former CMI chief, Brig.Charles Bakahumura and the UPDF first division commander, Maj.Gen. Sam Kawagga among other officers and dignitaries.

 Who is Maj.Gen.Sam Kiwanuka

Maj.Gen.Sam Kiwanuka joined NRA on November 4, 1981 as a 16 year old student.

He was part of the 9th NRA battalion under the command of Brig.Julius Chihandae deployed in Kabale to guard against a possible attack by UNLA soldiers from Rwanda and the forces were responsible for receiving Prince Ronald Muwenda Mutebi on his visit to NRA bases.

After NRA captured power, Kiwanuka was sent to Monduli Training School in Tanzania for a company commanders’ course.

From there he returned to Uganda to serve in various operations in Northern Uganda and South Sudan among others.