Handover and takeover ceremony at UPDF airforce

 Deputy Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Air Force, Maj Gen David Isimbwa, has called on young officers to maintain discipline and focus as they continue honing their aviation skills.

He emphasised that these qualities are crucial for the continued strength and professionalism of Uganda’s Air Force.

Speaking at a handover and takeover ceremony at the Air Force Wing headquarters in Bardege, Gulu, Maj Gen Isimbwa presided over the official transfer of command from Col Franco Ogwang and his deputy, Lt Col Nathan Abaho, to Col D. Opolot and Maj Assy Byoruganda. “The future of Uganda’s Air Force lies in disciplined, well-trained young officers who are ready to take on the challenges of modern military aviation,” Maj Gen Isimbwa stated.

He commended the outgoing commanders for their effective leadership and professionalism, noting their contributions to mentorship, technical training, and instilling discipline among personnel. He also praised the 4 Division Air Force Wing for its efforts in nurturing future aviators and enhancing Uganda’s airpower capacity.

Maj Gen Isimbwa extended gratitude to the UPDF and Air Force leadership for their strategic commitment to talent development in aviation. He noted that this focus had elevated Uganda’s presence in regional and international aviation and security platforms.

In his message to young officers, Maj Gen Isimbwa encouraged them to remain focused on their responsibilities and avoid being distracted by impatience or external pressure. “Don’t be desperate,” he advised. “Just concentrate on what you have been given to do in the context of progress.”

He warned against acts of indiscipline such as fuel theft, alcoholism, and gambling, stressing that such behaviour not only jeopardises careers but also tarnishes the reputation of the UPDF Air Force.

Outgoing deputy commander Lt Col Nathan Abaho, who is set to attend a senior command and staff course in Egypt, expressed appreciation for the chance to serve. He urged his successor to uphold the values of discipline, teamwork, hard work, and dedication.

The incoming commanders thanked the UPDF leadership for entrusting them with their new responsibilities. They pledged to advance the Air Force Wing’s mission and to work closely with their teams in achieving operational goals.

The ceremony was attended by senior and junior officers, reflecting the significance of the leadership transition within the UPDF Air Force Wing.

Senior UPDF officers at Kimaka are privileged to engage with H.E. President Museveni, the President and Commander-in-Chief, as he delivers a Lecture of Opportunity—shaping the strategic minds of Uganda’s military leadership.

 

Pictorial from a two-day retreat for all Regional Police Commanders, Divisional, and District Police Commanders at Police Headquarters in Naguru.

 

Did M23 execute people in Manzinzi????

 

17 civilians were summarily executed by AFC/M23 rebels on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at around 6:30 p.m. in Walungu territory, the FARDC reported.

In a statement, the army stated that this summary execution took place in the town of Munzinzi, in the Ngweshe chiefdom. Several houses were also burned.

Wazalendo issue a retaliatory statement on General Muhoozi's tweet

In a statement issued from Uvira on June 23, 2025, the Wazalendo Coordination of Eastern DRC firmly rejects the comments attributed to Ugandan General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, calling their movement a "negative force."

The Wazalendo reiterate that they are Congolese citizens voluntarily engaged in the defense of national sovereignty against armed threats, in accordance with the Constitution. They denounce any attempt to equate them with any form of insecurity and reiterate that their action stems from the violence suffered by the DRC for decades.

Their coordination calls for respect for the right of peoples to defend themselves against aggression, while reaffirming their commitment to the leadership of the Congolese Head of State.

The fight for Congolese sovereignty continues, they affirm, with determination and a sense of duty. 

Former MP of Kisangani arrested!

 

Former Kisangani MP Samuel Simene wa Simene, former Deputy Minister of Finance, former Deputy Director General of the Directorate General of Finance (DGDA), former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Foreign Trade Single Window, and currently an advisor to the Ministry of Finance, was arrested at his home overnight from Saturday to Sunday by heavily armed men.

Paul Kagame Absent:Why all these rumours that the iron man of EAC is dead?Is it the first time for people to spread rumours that he is dead?

 

For several days, shockwaves have been sweeping through Rwanda and the Great Lakes region of Africa. Persistent rumors of the critical health, or even death, of President Paul Kagame are circulating widely on social media and some regional media outlets. This unprecedented situation has plunged the country into a climate of uncertainty, exacerbated by the total lack of official communication. How can this disturbing silence from the Rwandan authorities be explained?

The starting point of this information crisis lies in the sudden disappearance of the head of state from the public sphere. His official Twitter account, usually active, no longer displays any recent posts. Rwandan public media, normally quick to report on his activities, have observed an unusual silence. This media vacuum has created fertile ground for the most extravagant speculation. Some unverified sources suggest an emergency hospitalization in Germany, while others claim that a successor has already been discreetly appointed.

Disinformation is reaching worrying levels with the resurgence of old denials presented as current evidence. Videos dating back several years, in which Kagame previously denied similar rumors about his health, are being shared out of context. This manipulation contributes to further clouding perceptions of events. On the streets of Kigali and in neighboring capitals, concern is growing in the face of this information vacuum. Presidential health, a traditionally taboo subject in Rwanda, is suddenly becoming a matter of public debate.

This crisis comes at a sensitive geopolitical moment for the region. Rwanda, under Kagame's leadership, plays a key role in the stability/instability of Central Africa. His possible disappearance from the political scene raises crucial questions about the continuity of power and regional balances.

The complex relations between Kigali and Kinshasa, marked by recurring tensions, could enter a phase of heightened uncertainty. International observers are closely monitoring the situation, aware of the potential implications for regional security.

The lack of a formal denial from the Rwandan authorities raises questions. Traditionally quick to counter fake news, official channels remain strangely silent this time. This silence naturally fuels the darkest theories. A political analyst based in Goma points out: "In a country where information is strictly controlled, this communication gap is perceived as a worrying signal by the population." The rumor of Paul Kagame's death thus reveals the fragility of African political systems in the face of information storms.

Behind this affair looms a broader issue: the fight against disinformation in Africa. Social platforms, lacking effective verification mechanisms in local languages, are becoming amplifying sources of rumors. This situation illustrates the challenge posed by the health of African leaders, often shrouded in secrecy. When will we see greater transparency on these issues, which are crucial to democratic stability?

At this stage, there is no tangible evidence to support the allegations of the death or serious illness of the Rwandan president. Speculation about brain cancer or other pathologies remains conjectural. However, the political cost of this silence is growing heavier every day. The credibility of Rwandan institutions is being tested, while the population vacillates between concern and skepticism. This affair is a painful reminder of how a lack of transparency can weaken even the most established regimes.

The ball is now in the court of the authorities in Kigali. Only a public appearance or a clear official statement will be able to put an end to this collective psychosis. In the meantime, the international community is watching, aware that the future of an entire nation could be at stake in this communication crisis. The episode raises a fundamental question: in the digital age, can a government still control information when the head of state suddenly disappears from the media?

Posts faking the death of H E Kagame

I think RDF should clear air on this!