By Infora Media
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has appointed Col. Deo Akiiki as Uganda’s military attaché and defence advisor to Washington, D.C., a move aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between Uganda and the United States.
The announcement was made on Wednesday night, with Col. Akiiki set to replace Col. Peter Sonko in the key diplomatic posting. The role involves representing Uganda’s defence interests, fostering military-to-military ties, and supporting strategic dialogue between the two countries’ defence establishments.
Col. Akiiki, a senior officer with significant experience within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has been serving as Military Assistant to the Chief of Defence Forces since February last year. Prior to that, he held the position of Deputy Defence Public Information Officer.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Col. Akiiki said he is now awaiting the completion of diplomatic clearances between the governments of Uganda and the United States before formally assuming his duties in Washington, D.C.
Observers say the appointment comes at a time of evolving security cooperation between Kampala and Washington, amid broader geopolitical shifts and regional security dynamics. The United States remains a critical partner for Uganda on issues ranging from peacekeeping and counter-terrorism to regional stability.
This posting is seen as an important link in maintaining and enhancing military engagement. It is expected that Col. Akiiki’s tenure will focus on consolidating defence relations and facilitating mutual understanding on key security priorities.
Col. Akiiki’s diplomatic assignment reflects the UPDF leadership’s emphasis on professional military diplomacy at a time when global and regional partnerships are increasingly central to national defence strategies.