Leopold Eric Kyanda (born 1 January 1970), is a Major General in the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF). Effective 24 June 2021, he serves as the Joint Chief of Staff of the UPDF. He replaced Lieutenant General Joseph Musanyufu who was redeployed to the civil service.[1]

Major General
Leopold Kyanda
Born (1970-01-01) 1 January 1970 (age 54)
Uganda
OccupationMilitary officer
Years active1994 – present
Known forMilitary affairs
TitleJoint Chief of Staff of the Uganda People's Defence Force

Before that, Kyanda was the Chief of Staff of the Land Forces in the UPDF, replacing Major General Charles Angina, who was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda (DCDF).[2] inspector General of Police

Military career

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Leo Kyanda was born on 1 January 1970.[3] Ugandan press reports indicate that in 1994, he was an Aide de Camp to General Ivan Koreta, at that time, a Brigadier and was also his driver in that year.[4] He later joined the then Presidential Guard Brigade (PGB), which today is part of the Special Forces Group (SFG). He rose in its ranks and eventually became the Commander of the PGB. Following that, he became the Commandant of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI). From there, he was assigned to the Ugandan Embassy in Washington, D.C., as the Military Attaché, serving in that capacity for two years. On his return to Uganda, he was appointed Chief of Personnel and Administration in the UPDF. From there, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier and assigned the post of Chief of Staff of Land Forces of Uganda.[5] In December 2017, Kyanda completed a military course from the National Defence College in India.[6]

In February 2019 he was promoted from the rank of Brigadier to that of Major General, as a part of a promotions exercise involving over 2,000 men and women of the UPDF.[7]

Personal life

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He is married to Judy Rugasira Kyanda, the country manager for Knight Frank Uganda Ltd. They have two daughters.[8]

Awards

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Pearl of Africa Lifetime Achievement Award (PALITA AWARD)-2015.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Kenneth Kazibwe (24 June 2021). "Lt Gen Mbadi appointed new CDF, Elwelu deputy". Nile Post Uganda. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  2. ^ Gaaki Kigambo (25 May 2013). "Museveni Reshuffles Military, Moves Old Comrade to Cabinet". The EastAfrican. Nairobi, Kenya. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  3. ^ Anthony Wesaka and Benson Tumusiime (25 June 2021). "Who are the men Museveni has entrusted with the Army?". Daily Monitor. Kampala, Uganda. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Maj Gen Leopold Eric Kyanda-Chief of Staff of Land Forces Uganda People's Defense Forces". www.publicopinions.net. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  5. ^ The Observer Team (29 May 2013). "New Guard Takes Charge of UPDF In New Changes". The Observer (Uganda). Kampala. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  6. ^ Daily Monitor (22 December 2017). "Brigadier Kyanda reappointed Chief of Staff Land Forces". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 22 December 2017.
  7. ^ Monitor Reporter (8 February 2019). "Museveni promotes over 2,000 UPDF Officers". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  8. ^ "Is Kyanda a dad?". New Vision. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
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Military offices
Preceded by
Joseph Musanyufu
As Joint Chief of Staff of UPDF
Joint Chief of Staff of UPDF
2021 – present
Succeeded by
Incumbent
As Joint Chief of Staff of UPDF
Military offices
Preceded by
Charles Angina
As Chief of Staff Land Forces
Chief of Staff Land Forces of Uganda
2013 – 2021
Succeeded by
Vacant
As Chief of Staff Land Forces