President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Major General Sam Kavuma as the new Force Commander of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). This decision comes after Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, the previous ATMIS forces commander, was appointed Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and is set to return home from Somalia.
Major General Kavuma, who had been serving as the Deputy Coordinator of the Operation Wealth Creation since June 2021, has now been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the ATMIS forces. As a testament to his capabilities and contributions, President Museveni also promoted Kavuma from the rank of Major General to Lieutenant General.
The appointment and subsequent promotion of Kavuma have taken immediate effect, indicating the urgency and faith placed in him to drive the mission’s objectives forward. ATMIS plays a vital role in stabilizing and reconstructing Somalia, supporting the Somali government and security forces to bring lasting peace and security to the nation.
In a recent reshuffle within the UPDF, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Forces. Additionally, General Wilson Mbadi has been named State Minister for Trade. Major General Jack Agonza Bakasumba has been promoted to Joint Chief of Staff, and Brigadier David Mugisha, the commander of Special Forces, has been elevated to the rank of Major General.
As Major General Sam Kavuma assumes his new role as ATMIS Force Commander, many will be observing to see how his expertise and vision contribute to Somalia’s progress. With Uganda’s ongoing efforts to support the African Union and promote peace in the region, the appointment of Kavuma signifies yet another step forward in achieving lasting stability in Somalia.
