KAMPALA, Uganda – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Land Forces has a new Chief of Staff: Brigadier General Chris Bagonza. His appointment, announced this week by Acting UPDF Spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi, marks a significant leadership transition within the army.
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has tapped Brig. Gen. Bagonza for the crucial role, positioning him as the key operational leader under the Land Forces command, headquartered in Bombo.
Brig. Gen. Bagonza steps into the shoes of Brigadier General Micheal Kabango, who recently took on the responsibility of Commandant at the Senior Command and Staff College in Kimaka, Jinja.
The leadership adjustments extend beyond this key role. Colonel Nelson Ahebwa has been appointed as the new Deputy Joint Staff Chief Political Commissar, where he will serve under the guidance of Major General Henry Masiko at the UPDF’s Political Commissariat.
“The UPDF fraternity congratulates the General and senior officers upon their well-deserved appointments and wishes them good luck in their duties,” stated Col. Magezi.
Prior to this significant elevation, Brig. Gen. Bagonza held the position of Deputy Joint Staff for Human Resource Management at the Joint UPDF Services Headquarters in Mbuya, working alongside Brigadier General Jimmy Kinalwa. His experience also includes a stint as Director of Personnel and Administration for the Land Forces in 2023.
During his 2023 handover ceremony, where he served under the then Chief of Staff Land Forces, Major General Jack Agonza Bakasumba, Brig. Gen. Bagonza affirmed his unwavering loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief and emphasized his strong commitment to improving the welfare of all UPDF personnel.
A graduate of the National Defence College Uganda (NDC-U), Brig. Gen. Bagonza was among the pioneering cohort of the National Security and Strategic Course, completing it in January 2023. His career trajectory underscores a solid grounding in strategic leadership and continuous professional development.
In September 2024, he demonstrated his commitment to the force’s personnel by addressing retiring officers at a sensitization session in Jinja. He commended their years of service and encouraged them to embrace their transition into civilian life with dignity and purpose.
Now, as the Chief of Staff of the Land Forces, Brigadier General Bagonza is expected to be instrumental in shaping operational strategy and fostering stronger command cohesion throughout the UPDF. This appointment comes at a critical time as the force implements key reforms aimed at enhancing discipline and overall combat readiness.