The Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba, has underscored the strategic importance of effective leadership transitions in strengthening the operational readiness of the force, describing the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (URDC) as a critical formation established to provide rapid crisis response and management.
Lt Gen Bakasumba made the remarks while presiding over command handover ceremonies held at the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC), Kimaka, and the Headquarters Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (HQ URDC) in Jinja.
At the Senior Command and Staff College, Brigadier General Michael Kabango handed over office as Commandant to Brigadier General David Gonyi. At Headquarters URDC, Brigadier General Emmanuel Kazahura assumed command from Brigadier General Ernest Nuwagaba.
Addressing officers and invited guests, Lt Gen Bakasumba said the URDC remains a vital UPDF formation with a mandate to respond rapidly to crises and manage emerging security situations. He added that the command is expected to evolve into the central hub for the UPDF's foreign operations.
"The Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability is a critical UPDF formation established to provide rapid crisis response and management. It is expected to become the central hub for the UPDF's foreign operations and has been equipped with the personnel and capabilities required to effectively execute its mandate," he said.
Lt Gen Bakasumba noted that the command has been provided with the personnel and capabilities necessary to effectively fulfil its responsibilities, expressing confidence in its ability to deliver on its strategic mission.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the outgoing Commander of Headquarters URDC, Brig Gen Ernest Nuwagaba, thanked the UPDF leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the strategic unit.
"Today I formally hand over command of HQ URDC. It has been an honour to lead this unit for one and a half years. A lot has been achieved during that period, and I am optimistic that my successor will build on these achievements and take the unit to even greater heights," he said.
The incoming Commander, Brig Gen Emmanuel Kazahura, pledged to advance the growth and operational effectiveness of Headquarters URDC, reaffirming his commitment to building on the foundation laid by his predecessor.
The ceremonies were attended by senior military officers, including the Commandant of the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, Brigadier General Michael Ssesanga; Jinja Cantonment Commander, Brigadier General Emmanuel Kanyesigye; Chief of Staff HQ URDC, Brigadier General Flavia Byekwaso; Head of the Police Component at HQ URDC, Senior Superintendent of Police Andrew Muzira; Head of the Civilian Component, Allen Ruhangatalemwa; and the Director of the National Forensic and Sciences University, among others.
