Lieutenant General Paul Lokech, a distinguished Ugandan military officer, boasts a career spanning decades of service, marked by remarkable achievements and significant contributions to regional and international peacekeeping efforts. Born in the early 1980s, details about his upbringing and early life remain relatively scarce, but his journey in the military has been nothing short of extraordinary.

MILITARY COURSE ATTENDED

National Defence College

Pretoria South Africa-2010

Law Armed Conflict (France – 2009)

Tactical Operation Staff Course (Nairobi)

Command and General Staff College

Fort Leavenworth (USA)

Defence Review Management (UK)

Company Commander Course (Munduli Tanzania)

APPOINTMENTS HELD

Deputy IGP Uganda 2020-2021

Uganda Monitoring Team (Head-South Sudan 2019-2020)

Chief of Staff (UPDF Air Force 2019)

Commander (URDCC – Jinja 2019)

Contingent Commander 2nd Tour (AMISOM-Somalia 2018)

Division Commander (2 Div-Mbarara 2017)

Defence Advisor (Russian Federation 2013-2016)

Contingent Commander (AMISOM-Somalia 2011-2014)

Director Ppan J5 (2011)

Commandant Junior Staff College (jinja)

Deputy Division Commander (DOTO 3DIv Moroto 2007)

Brigade Commander (509 Bde 2003-2004)

Director Defence Review (2001)

Battalion Commander (1999-2000)

Division Intelligence Officer – G2 (1995-1997)

Company Commander (1994)

Lokech’s military career commenced when he enlisted in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), the country’s armed forces, as a young man. Displaying exceptional leadership qualities and a profound commitment to his duties, he quickly ascended through the ranks, earning commendations and respect from colleagues and superiors alike.

His numerous notable contributions came through his participation in various peacekeeping missions, where he showcased his strategic acumen and dedication to restoring stability in conflict-ridden regions. 

On the domestic front, Lokech was among the UPDF officials heavily engaged in fighting the LRA rebels in Northern Uganda; it was here that he and Gen. James Kazini became close friends. Gen Otema Awany often recalls one harrowing experience where the two brave fighters had a close brush with death when their helicopter nearly crashed. It can be noted that, in 1996, Gen. Lokech’s unconventional proposal became the main plank for two early rounds of reforms in the UPDF.

In the early 2000s, Ugandan troops had been cut off deep inside the vast territory of the DR Congo. Gen. Lokech hatched a daring plan for their extrication, trekking more than 700kms across dangerous territory and safely delivered his men and equipment back to Uganda. The President was personally on hand to welcome their ‘miraculous’ return to Uganda.

Over the years, Gen. Lokech’s leadership abilities have been evidently recognized, leading to his appointment to key positions within the UPDF. In July 2012, he assumed command of the Ugandan contingent in Somalia as part of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), overseeing operations and leading troops in challenging and volatile environments. His tenure as commander was marked by a relentless pursuit of the UPDF’s mission objectives, coupled with a steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of his personnel. While in Somalia, he bravely confronted the menace of terrorism and insurgency, contributing significantly to the efforts aimed at eradicating threats to peace and security in the region.

Throughout his career, Lokech has been lauded for his professionalism, discipline, and integrity, traits that have earned him admiration both within Uganda and on the international stage. His promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General in August 2021, further solidified his status as a leading figure in Uganda’s military establishment. In this elevated role, he continued to shape the country’s defense strategy and played a pivotal role in Regional security affairs.

While Lokech’s professional accomplishments are well-documented, details about his personal life remain relatively private. However, his unwavering dedication to duty and his exemplary service to his country are a testament to his character and commitment to the principles of service and sacrifice.

By all accounts, in all his missions, Gen Lokech was a warrior’s warrior. More recently, Gen Lokech led the crucial and delicate military-diplomatic Mission of peacemaking in South Sudan (2020). According to Gen. Salim Saleh, away from the battlefield, Gen. Lokech was known in military circles as a thinker and reformer. Later in the year 2020, Gen. Lokech was assigned to the Uganda Police Force, this came in the midst of electoral mayhem and brutal suppression. A good and patriotic man was suddenly thrust into this hotspot at a most uncomfortable moment. This assignment would turn out to be his last lap in a stellar career.

Certainly, no country in the world, no matter how well-endowed with human capital, can afford to casually lose a leader of Gen Lokech’s vast and layered experience. It takes time, investment, talent, character, and hard work to attain that level and caliber of leadership. Perhaps in a country, a man like him comes along every 50 years.”

Over the years, Al-Shabaab gained territory, took over, and established their center of business at Bakara Market. Bakara Market became the Al-Qaeda center of operations, including open market arms deals.

When the Gen. Lokech arrived in Somalia, he was briefed on Bakara Market as the most dangerous spot in Somalia. He flew back to Uganda to present his operation plan – a course of action to the high command of the UPDF chaired by President Museveni. Others present were General Aronda and General Wamala. He planned to take over Mogadishu in nine months – quite ambitious.

General Aronda voted against the plan, considering it too risky. General Wamala warned him to be careful and reminded him of the Black Hawk Down incident where Al-Shabaab shot down six American fighting jets and took US soldiers alive, dragging them on the streets of Bakara Market.

Despite that historic defeat of a world superpower, President Museveni approved his course of action, and Lokech flew back to Somalia. On arrival, he briefed the commanders on the plan. To him, he considered the plan leaked. He told the soldiers that Bakara Market must be the UPDF command center and must be taken over. Two months before the official launch of the operation plan, he attacked Bakara Market in the early hours of the night – a surprise attack. Al-Shabaab couldn’t use the snipers mounted on top of the buildings. UPDF maneuvered through the buildings at Bakara Market until the whole of Mogadishu was freed.

Lokech then informed the high command and confirmed that the UPDF had captured Bakara Market and were holding the ground. When the radio message reached Museveni, he called the president of Somalia at that time. He then said: “I have never seen such a brave, intelligent, and disciplined soldier in all of my life. Lokech is a true Lion of Mogadishu.