By Richard Onapatum
The Commander of the 3 Infantry Division of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Maj. Gen. Don William Nabasa Moroto, presided over a handover and takeover ceremony at Moroto army barracks on Monday, April 15, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Moses Odeke assumed command and control of the 203 Anti-Aircraft (AAC) Brigade from Col. Robert Katanaka (Outgoing), who is set to retire by the end of April 2024.
“I commend Col. Katanaka for boosting the formation’s manpower and conducting refresher training to enhance soldiers’ capacity, among other achievements,” remarked Gen. Nabasa.
He implored the commanders and key staff officers to support the new Brigade leadership as the old guard nears exit from active service.
The Division Commander advised officers set for retirement to invest wisely and cautioned them against undertaking projects that would drain their resources without proper consideration of managerial skills.
The presiding officer noted that military service provides personnel with a series of special skills, discipline, and flexibility necessary for adjusting to meaningful living even in retirement.
Brig. Gen. Felix Busizoori, Deputy 3 Division Commander, thanked Col. Katanaka for diligently serving for 40 years and urged officers to emulate his good conduct.
Col. Robert Katanaka acknowledged the tremendous support rendered and appreciated the Division leadership for embracing the Brigade in its command and administrative structures at all levels, especially after the dissolution of the former Air Defence Division.
He noted that discipline, resilience, and integrity continue to be the benchmark characteristics that propel the brigade to greater heights.
In his acceptance remarks, Lt. Col. Odeke thanked the army leadership and his predecessor, Col. Katanaka, for entrusting him with the task and providing good mentorship, respectively.
Present at the ceremony were senior and junior officers at Division headquarters and the 203 AAC Brigade level.