Brigadier General Wilberforce Sserunkuma has officially assumed command of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3rd Infantry Division, taking over from Major General Don Nabasa in a formal ceremony held in the Karamoja region.
The event, presided over by Lieutenant General Muhanga Kayanja, Commander of the Land Forces, highlighted the division’s role in promoting peace and stability in Karamoja and eastern Uganda. Major General Nabasa, who served as the division’s commander, has been reassigned to the position of Joint Staff Policy and Strategy.
During the ceremony, Lt Gen Muhanga commended the efforts of the joint security forces in achieving significant milestones in the region, particularly in disarmament and community stabilization. He also lauded the collaboration between the army and local leadership, emphasizing that such partnerships are fundamental to the UPDF’s mission as a people-centered force.
“Strong cooperation with local leaders and cross-border engagements are critical in sustaining the gains we’ve achieved in Karamoja. I encourage the incoming team to build on this progress,” Lt Gen Muhanga stated.
Hon. Dr. Peter Lokeris, Minister for Karamoja Affairs, also praised the UPDF for its unwavering dedication to restoring peace in the region. He expressed gratitude to the President for his guidance and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among all stakeholders.
Members of the Karamoja Parliamentary Group, led by Hon. Remigio Achia, acknowledged Maj Gen Nabasa’s efforts in combating insecurity and leading disarmament initiatives. They urged the new leadership to maintain these achievements, while also advocating for long-term solutions such as compulsory, free boarding education to address youth crime and promote regional development.
Reflecting on his tenure, Maj Gen Nabasa noted that the division had achieved an 80% success rate in disarmament efforts, attributing the accomplishment to effective teamwork between the army and community leaders. He encouraged his successor to sustain these efforts during the consolidation phase and thanked the UPDF leadership for their trust in his command.
Brig Gen Sserunkuma pledged to build on the foundation laid by Maj Gen Nabasa, with a focus on fostering security and creating conditions for socio-economic transformation in the region. His deputy, Colonel Allan Kyangungu, also expressed readiness to contribute to the division’s mission of maintaining peace and stability.
Local leaders from Karamoja and neighboring districts voiced their confidence in the new leadership, while emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts to address insecurity and improve living conditions.
The ceremony, attended by MPs, local government leaders, security officials, religious leaders, and civil society representatives, concluded with a unified commitment to safeguarding the progress achieved and ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for the Karamoja region.