The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has strengthened its communication arm with the appointment of Col Henry Obbo as Deputy Director of Defence Public Information. His takeover comes as the force sharpens its public engagement and image management ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 general election.

Col Obbo replaces Maj Bilal Katamba and follows Col Deo Akiki, who was earlier reassigned to serve as Military Assistant in the Office of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The position had remained unoccupied for some time after Col Akiki’s redeployment.

The handover ceremony at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya was presided over by the Director of Defence Public Information, Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, who commended Maj Katamba for his contribution to enhancing the army’s image. He urged staff to embrace humility, discipline, and openness to feedback, noting that professional communication was now an essential pillar of the army’s work.

Obbo’s Track Record

Col Obbo is widely regarded as a seasoned communicator within the UPDF. He first gained national visibility as the spokesperson for the 3rd Division during the Karamoja disarmament campaigns. His ability to articulate complex security operations in plain language earned him recognition as one of the force’s most effective public voices.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as spokesperson for the Joint Task Force, overseeing sensitive communication around enforcement of health guidelines in Kampala. His career also includes international exposure: he earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Affairs from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center in North Carolina, becoming the first Ugandan officer to study civil affairs under that scholarship programme.

More recently, he was recognised for academic excellence at the National Defence College – Uganda, ranking among the top performers in Strategic Studies.

Col Obbo’s appointment is seen as part of a broader generational transition within the UPDF. The force has recently recruited younger officers into leadership roles, while several long-serving generals — including Lt Gen Moses Elwelu and Gen Katumba Wamala — have retired. Observers note that alongside this change, the army has prioritised grooming professional, media-savvy officers capable of communicating effectively with the public.

Speaking after assuming office, Col Obbo pledged to build on his predecessors’ achievements while strengthening collaboration across government. “I will deepen and widen teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration with other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. I am also blessed to work with my mentor, Maj Gen Kulayigye, who has guided many officers, and I am happy to be one of them,” he said.

Communication in the Spotlight

Analysts say the timing of his appointment underscores the UPDF’s recognition of communication as a strategic tool, particularly in the run-up to the 2026 elections. As the military plays a central role in maintaining national stability, its ability to manage information, explain operations, and build public trust will remain under sharp scrutiny.

The handover was witnessed by UPDF junior officers, militants, and civilian staff, marking another milestone in the army’s evolving approach to public information.