It was a combination of sad and joyous moments on Tuesday evening as Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda handed over office as the spokesperson of the UPDF and Ministry of Defense to Brig. Richard Karemire.
The function was held at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya.
In what he described as his last address to the media, Lt.Col. Ankunda said he was grateful to the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, President Yoweri Museveni for entrusting him with the responsibility of speaking for the army.
“I want to thank you for the support rendered to me as the spokesperson of the most versatile force on the continent. I am hopeful I will serve the country in other capacities,” he said .
Ankunda , who had served as the mouthpiece for the AMISOM Forces and later appointed to speak for the UPDF for the last 3 years after taking over the mantle from then Col. Felix Kulayigye, said since no one has a title for any office in the army, it was his time to leave after serving diligently .
Ankunda receives gifts from Ministry of defense staff.
He said he was sure he had put a big block on the development of the army and the country at large expressing happiness for a great job he has accomplished.
The new UPDF Spokesperson Brig. Richard Karemire.
“We come, serve and go. My time to go is now. I have done pretty everything but obviously there might be those beyond my control that I didn’t do well,” Ankunda said as he spoke in a low but apologetic tone.
Speaking about him, a representative of the other staff in the directorate of information praised Ankunda as a team player who supported everyone.
“We would like to thank you for the constant encouragement and leadership skills you have accorded to us through the years. As human beings, we might have stepped onto your toes but we ask for forgiveness,” said Privah Atuhaire, who represented other staff before handing him a gift as a token of appreciation.
Speaking of his new role ,the new spokesperson ,Brig.Karemire said he expected support from everyone as he goes about his new job as army mouthpiece.
“There will be no shift in policy because we have a standard procedure. We should work together to ensure development of the army and the country at large,” Brig.Karemire said.