The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has promoted Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga to the rank of Major General and appointed him Deputy Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Land Forces.
According to Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, the appointment took effect in December 2025 after the then Deputy Commander, Major General Francis Takirwa, fell ill.
Maj Gen Ssemwanga replaces Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, who passed away earlier today after a period of illness.
“He was until recently the Contingent Commander of UPDF troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM),” Col. Magezi said.
Before his deployment to Somalia towards the end of 2024, Maj Gen Ssemwanga served as Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, headquartered at Kakiri in Wakiso District.
