The Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has appointed Col Deo Akiiki as Uganda’s new military attaché and defence advisor to the United States, based in Washington, D.C.
The appointment, announced on Wednesday night, marks a significant diplomatic posting for Col Akiiki, who has been serving as military assistant to the CDF since 2025.
He replaces Col Peter Sonko Buwungo and will now represent Uganda’s military interests in the United States, a role that involves strengthening defence cooperation and coordinating military diplomacy between Kampala and Washington.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Akiiki indicated that he is awaiting completion of formal diplomatic processes between the Ugandan and U.S. governments before officially assuming his new duties.
Who is Col Deo Akiiki?
Col Deo Akiiki Asiimwe is a seasoned officer of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) with a career that blends military operations, public communication, and human rights engagement.
Born on September 9, 1976, in Kyenjojo District, Akiiki is a Ugandan national and a married father. He has built a reputation within the UPDF as a communications specialist and policy-oriented officer.
Education background
Col Akiiki has an extensive and diverse academic profile:
- He is currently pursuing a PhD in Diplomacy and International Relations at EUCLID University (ongoing since 2023).
- He holds a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies from the National Defense University (2016–2017).
- He also earned a Master of Arts in Defence and Security Studies from Makerere University (2021–2023).
- Earlier, he obtained a Master’s degree in Human Rights and Local Governance from Uganda Martyrs University (2007–2010).
- He holds a Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons) from Pontifical Urbaniana University (1998–2001), alongside a diploma in religious and philosophical studies from the Philosophy Centre in Jinja.
His earlier education includes studies at St Mary’s Seminary Virika and St John Bosco Gayaza Primary School.
Military and professional career
Akiiki is a senior UPDF officer holding the rank of Colonel. Over the years, he has served in a range of operational, administrative, and communication roles, including:
- Military Assistant to the Chief of Defence Forces
- UPDF Deputy Spokesperson (2017–2025)
- Public Relations Officer (UPDF)
- Public Information Officer under the African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM)
- Political Commissar
- Arms and Logistics Officer
- Platoon Commander
His experience reflects a career largely shaped by strategic communication, coordination, and operational support within the military.
Professional training and certifications
Col Akiiki has undergone extensive professional military and international training, including:
- National Defence Course and Past Staff Course
- United Nations Staff Officers Course
- Military Observers Course (UN)
- International Humanitarian Law training with the International Committee of the Red Cross
- Civil-military coordination training in West Africa
- Human rights and child protection training with UNICEF and the Uganda Human Rights Commission
He has also received specialized instruction in psychological operations, media management, and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.
Skills and languages
Col Akiiki is described as a versatile officer with strong communication and teamwork skills, as well as the ability to quickly adapt to new concepts.
He speaks English (excellent), Kiswahili (very good), and French (average).
Strategic posting
Akiiki’s deployment to Washington comes at a time of evolving relations between Uganda and United States, with renewed high-level engagements in security and defence circles.
His appointment is widely seen as both strategic and symbolic, portraying Kampala’s intent to strengthen military diplomacy and deepen cooperation with Washington.
With his background in diplomacy, security studies, and military communication, Col Akiiki now steps into one of Uganda’s most sensitive and high-profile foreign defence assignments.