news 3 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Col Deo Akiiki: Ex-Seminarian's Rise to UPDF Military Attaché in Washington DC
Former UPDF spokesperson Col Deo Akiiki, who once trained for the priesthood, has been appointed military attaché to Uganda’s embassy in Washington DC by CDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The 49-year-old brings extensive deployments, elite education, and close ties to military leadership to his new role engaging the Pentagon on security matters. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/col-deo-akiiki-from-altar-to-military-diplomat-5412054
Col Deo Akiiki, born Deogratias Akiiki Asiimwe in Kyenjojo District, nearly pursued a religious path after secondary school at St Mary’s Seminary in Fort Portal. He earned a diploma in religious and philosophical studies, followed by a philosophy degree in Rome and master’s degrees in human rights, local governance, defence and security, and strategic security studies. Currently pursuing a doctorate in Diplomacy and International Relations, he shifted to a military career.
Akiiki served in key UPDF spokesperson roles across Gulu, Kitgum, Lira, Pader, Karamoja, South Sudan, DRC, and Somalia. He also acted as political commissar and arms officer, gaining hands-on experience in conflict zones. His career elevated in May 2025 as military aide to CDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, marking a shift to a more assertive public voice while maintaining loyalty.
On April 1, 2026, Gen Muhoozi appointed him military attaché to Washington DC, replacing Col Peter Sonko Buwungo. This posting positions the 49-year-old at the forefront of Uganda-US military ties, including counter-terrorism and regional security cooperation with the Pentagon.
He joins other senior officers: Brig Gen Paul Muwonge (Kinshasa), Brig Gen Paddy Ankunda (Belgium), Brig Gen Julius Rubakuuba (Tanzania), Brig Gen Johnson Niwamanya (Burundi), Brig Gen Richard Rubongoya (Russia), Col Steve Mulindwa (Saudi Arabia), Col Victor Rukonge (Somalia), Col Godfrey Kyomuhendo (Algeria), Col Alex Tumushabe (UAE), and Col Albert Nomwesigwa (Beni, DRC).
Akiiki’s elite training, including National Defence Course and Past Staff Course, equips him for strategic engagements, with his CDF proximity raising expectations for impactful diplomacy.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)