Maj Gen Nabasa appointed head of Joint Staff Policy and Strategy
CAPTION: Maj Gen Don Nabasa.
By Our reporter
President Museveni, who is also the commander in chief of the armed forces in Uganda has appointed Maj Gen Don Nabasa as the new Joint Staff Policy and Strategy in the UPDF.
Maj Gen Nabasa has been serving as the UPDF third infantry division commander headquartered in Moroto.
On Friday, Gen Nabasa handed over command of the third Infantry to Brigadier General Wilberforce Sserunkuma as he prepares to take over his new office.
Nabasa hass replaced Maj Gen Bob Ogik, who was appointed defence attache in Turkey. Nabasa the outgoing commander was appointed Joint Staff Policy and Strategy (JS Policy & Strategy) at MoDVA /UPDF HQS replacing Maj Gen Bob Ogik, who was appointed defense attache in Turkey.
The handover event, chaired by Lt Gen Muhanga Kayanja, Commander of the Land Force, also saw Colonel Allan Kyangungu, former Commander of the 407 Brigade, assume the role of Deputy Commander of the 3 Infantry Division.
Hon Dr Lokeris Peter, Minister for Karamoja Affairs, expressed his gratitude to the President for providing clear guidance to security forces, whose efforts have been vital in restoring peace to Karamoja and neighbouring areas.
Lt Gen Muhanga Kayanja underscored the importance of sustained cooperation and cross-border engagement to safeguard the progress made. “I extend my gratitude to the local leadership for their partnership with the forces, which is rooted in the UPDF’s values as a pro-people army,” he remarked, also praising the professionalism of the forces, noting the absence of complaints regarding misconduct.
Members of the Karamoja Parliamentary Group (KPG), led by Hon Remigio Achia, commended Maj Gen Nabasa for his leadership in fighting criminality and driving regional disarmament efforts. They called on the new commanders to uphold these achievements, particularly in continuing community disarmament, responding swiftly to emerging threats, and nurturing strong ties with local populations. The MPs also advocated for compulsory, free, and boarding education as a long-term strategy to reshape mindsets and reduce youth crime.
Reflecting on his time in command, Maj Gen Nabasa highlighted that Karamoja had achieved 80% disarmament success, attributing this to the strong collaboration between local leaders and security forces. He urged that the momentum be maintained during the ongoing consolidation phase and expressed appreciation to the President and UPDF leadership for trusting him with the role.
District leaders from Karamoja and Teso, including George Owanyi of Nakapiripirit and Peter Pex of Soroti City, voiced confidence in the new leadership, while Hon. Filex Lochale, LCV Chairperson for Karenga District, stressed the need for continued collective action to sustain the region’s progress.
Brig Gen Sserunkuma and Col Kyangungu both committed to building on the solid foundation laid by their predecessors, with a focus on creating conditions conducive to socio-economic transformation in the region.
The ceremony, attended by regional leaders including Members of Parliament, RDCs/RCC, LC V chairpersons, security commanders, mayors, religious leaders, members of civil society organisations (CSOs), and Karacuna mobilisers, concluded with a renewed pledge from all stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
Biography
Born in 1976 in Kiruhura district in Western Uganda, Nabasa joined the Ugandan army in 1998 and in 1999, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant after completing his officer cadet course in Jinja.
He attended a tank platoon commander’s course in 2001, tank company commander’s course in 2002, tank battalion commander’s course in 2003, junior commander course at the Indian Military Academy in 2006, Motorized Battalion commander’s course at the Kalama Armoured Warfare Training School in 2008, Junior Staff Course in 2009, Strategic Maritime Anti-Terrorism Couse in 2010 at the Stennis Center, Mississipi, USA and senior command and staff course in 2012.
Between 2012 and 2016, Nabasa served as the commander of 2 SFG in the Special Forces Command.
During his long tour of duty as a Special Forces operator, he has commanded various tactical units of the Special Forces, such as tank platoon, coy and squadron commander and as the Brigade Operations and Training Officer under the then Presidential Guard Brigade (PGB) from 2001 to 2008. Col. Nabasa was the Commanding Officer of the SFC’s 2 Tank Battle Group from 2008 to 2011.
He has also previously served as the SFC commander, Military Police commander and UPDF contingent commander in Somalia among other positions in the UPDF.
