Field marshal | |
---|---|
Country | Uganda (Second Republic) |
Service branch | Uganda Army |
Rank group | General officer |
Rank | Field marshal |
Formation | 17 July 1975 |
Abolished | 3 June 1979 |
Next lower rank | General |
Field marshal was the highest rank in the military of Uganda, during the regime of Idi Amin.
On 17 July 1975, Idi Amin, President of Uganda and the commander-in-chief of the country's military at the time, the Uganda Army (UA), awarded himself the rank of field marshal.[1][2] Officially, the rank was given to Amin by the Defence Council (which he himself chaired). Amin was then decorated with the rank insignia by Maj. Gen. Mustafa Adrisi at a function held at the State House in the capital, Entebbe.[2]
Presently, the highest ranking individual in the current Ugandan military, the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) is President Yoweri Museveni, who uses the rank of general.[3] In 2021, there were calls by Defence Minister Charles Engola to promote Museveni to the rank of field marshal as well.[4] The UPDF announced that Museveni will be awarded the rank in the next promotions.[5][unreliable fringe source?]