In a strategic move, the Chief of Staff of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Major General Jack Bakasumba, has appointed Colonel Chris Magezi as the Acting Defence Public Information Officer (DDPIO). This appointment, announced on Thursday afternoon, comes as Major General Felix Kulayigye, the substantive DDPIO, takes a one-month leave.
Col. Magezi, who serves as one of the Military Assistants to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, will oversee the DDPIO office on an interim basis. Known for his close working relationship with Gen. Kainerugaba, Col. Magezi has a wealth of experience in military communications. Prior to this appointment, he served as the spokesperson for the Special Forces Command until 2017. He was later appointed as the head of communications for Gen. Kainerugaba, effectively becoming his Military Assistant in charge of public relations.
In August last year, Col. Magezi was promoted to the rank of Colonel after completing his military training in the United States. He has since been a key figure in communicating the positions of Gen. Muhoozi and UPDF operations on various matters both within Uganda and internationally. His active presence on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @ChrisOMagezi, has made him a prominent voice on military affairs and national issues.
This move solidifies Col. Magezi’s role as a central figure in shaping the public image of the UPDF during Major General Kulayigye’s temporary absence.
