Brig Byekwaso replaces Karemire as UPDF Spokesperson; Karemire appointed EAC Secretariat Defence Liason Officer

Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) representative in parliament (MP) is the new army spokesperson, replacing Brig Richard Karemire.

In her new capacity Byekwaso will also serve as the spokesperson for Uganda’s defence ministry.

Brig Karemire has confirmed Byekwaso’s appointment in a short statement published online.

“Please join me to welcome Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso appointed the Defence Spokesperson following the end of my tour of duty.”

Karemire also revealed he has been appointed the East Africa Community (EAC) Secretariat Defence Liaison Officer.

“I look forward to working on Integration as the solution for our strategic security,” he said.

Karemire replaces Brig Gen Victor Maregano Twesigye who recently collapsed dead in his bathroom in Rukungiri.

Read: Three Army ‘Generals’ dead in space of three days

Byekwaso becomes the seventh UPDF spokesperson after Karemire, Lt Col Paddy Ankunda, Col Felix Kulayigye, Maj Phinehas Katirima, Col Shaban Bantariza and Maj Roland Katunguka.

One of the 10 UPDF representatives in Parliament, Byekwaso becomes the first woman to speak for the national army and the defence ministry.

She is one of the highest ranking women in the UPDF, with Lt Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso as the top of the pack.

BRIG GEN FLAVIA BYEKWASO QUICK PROFILE

• Born December 29, 1971
• Region: Central Uganda
• Age: 49
• Attended St Mathias Kalemba Senior Secondary School (Kayunga District) — O and A-level
• Masters in Public Admin(Makerere University)
• Joined army in 2000

Previous roles/positions

• Started as protocol officer
• Military officer
• Administrative officer
• logistics officer
• UPDF director of logistics (2014-2016)

Read: Full List: Museveni sends Kulaigye, former SFC Commander Nabasa to OWC, Amisom in UPDF shakeup