“Better work hard.” – Muhoozi warns deployed defence attachés; promises to shake up ambassadors
In a strongly worded message on X following the latest round of military diplomatic postings, Gen. Muhoozi congratulated the officers on their new assignments but cautioned them against complacency.
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has issued a stern warning to newly appointed Defence Attachés, urging them to deliver results or risk being replaced, while simultaneously signaling a broader shake-up within the country’s diplomatic corps.
In a strongly worded message on X following the latest round of military diplomatic postings, Gen. Muhoozi congratulated the officers on their new assignments but cautioned them against complacency.
“I congratulate all the new Defence Attachés. They all deserve their new positions. They better work hard!” he said, emphasizing performance and accountability in Uganda’s growing military diplomacy.
The Chief of Defence Forces also revealed that discussions are underway with President Yoweri Museveni on restructuring Uganda’s ambassadorial appointments, hinting at a possible overhaul targeting long-serving and underperforming envoys.
“We are working with Mzee on the Ambassadors list. We will definitely remove the ineffective ones,” Muhoozi stated.
He questioned the longevity of some diplomats, noting that a number have held ambassadorial positions since 1986, an observation he said raises concerns about renewal and effectiveness in Uganda’s foreign service.
“I hear some have been Ambassadors since 1986. How is that possible? Their appointments are older than 80 percent of Ugandans? We want young people as Ambassadors,” he added, signaling a push for generational change within the diplomatic ranks.
The remarks come as Gen. Muhoozi announced a fresh deployment of senior military officers to key foreign missions, reinforcing Uganda’s use of defence attachés as strategic links in international security cooperation.
Among the appointments, Col. Deo Akiiki has been posted to Washington, D.C. in the United States, while Brig. Gen. Johnson Namanya will serve in Burundi. Brig. Gen. Edward Ronald Mutaawe has been assigned to Ethiopia, and Brig. Gen. Paddy Ankunda to Belgium.
Other postings include Brig. Gen. Julius Rubakuuba to Tanzania, Brig. Gen. Richard Rubongoya to Russia, and Brig. Gen. Paul Muwonge to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
At the rank of colonel, Alex Tumushabe has been deployed to the United Arab Emirates, Godfrey Kyomuhendo to Algeria, and Steve Mulindwa to Saudi Arabia. Col. Victor Busobozi Rukonge has been sent to Somalia, Col. Ezekiel Katatembeya to Rwanda, while Col. Albert Nomwesigwa will serve as Liaison Officer in Beni, eastern DR Congo.
The appointments reflect Uganda’s expanding military diplomacy footprint, with defence attachés playing a critical role in intelligence sharing, defence cooperation, and bilateral security engagements.
Analysts say the dual message, rewarding trusted officers with strategic postings while warning of consequences for underperformance, signals a shift toward a more results-driven approach within both the military and diplomatic establishments.
Gen. Muhoozi’s remarks are likely to spark debate within policy circles, particularly over the balance between experience and renewal in Uganda’s foreign service. His push for younger ambassadors aligns with broader conversations about generational transition in public service, but may also challenge entrenched structures within the system.
For now, the newly deployed Defence Attachés carry a clear mandate: represent Uganda’s security interests abroad with diligence, or risk being part of the sweeping changes the military chief has promised.
