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.

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 first 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. Serving under the banner of the United Nations, Lokech played pivotal roles in missions across Africa, including deployments in Somalia as part of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). In Somalia, he confronted the menace of terrorism and insurgency, contributing significantly to the efforts aimed at eradicating threats to peace and security in the region.

Lokech’s leadership abilities were soon recognized, leading to his appointment to key positions within the UPDF. In July 2018, he assumed command of the Ugandan contingent in Somalia, 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.

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 January 2021 further solidified his status as a leading figure in Uganda’s military establishment. In this elevated role, he continues to shape the country’s defense strategy and plays 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.

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. Gen Kahinda Otafire, who has known Gen Lokech for many years, said of his fallen friend: “I found Gen Lokech a very gifted and unique individual; we may not easily get his breed. Perhaps in a country, a man like him comes along every 50 years.”

He was a brilliant and audacious military commander. His campaigns in Somalia, where he served twice, are well-recognized internationally. Senior officials at the UN and AU all speak of his leadership in glowing terms. His success in pushing Al-Shabaab out of Mogadishu earned him the moniker ‘The Lion of Mogadishu’. Somalia honored him with the personal presence of its former president at the funeral in Pader District.

In the early 2000s, Ugandan troops had been cut off deep inside the vast territory of DR Congo. Lokech hatched a daring plan for their extrication. Trekking more than 700kms across dangerous territory, he safely delivered his men and equipment back to Uganda. Gen David Muhoozi, himself a veteran of the DRC campaign, declared: “That was an exceptional feat as a battalion commander”. The President was personally on hand to welcome their ‘miraculous’ return to Uganda.

On the domestic front, Lokech was among the UPDF officials heavily engaged in fighting the LRA in northern Uganda; it was here that he and Gen James Kazini became close friends. Gen Otema Awany often recalls one harrowing experience when the two men had a close brush with death when their helicopter nearly crashed.

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. According to Gen Salim Saleh, away from the battlefield, Gen Lokech was known in military circles as a thinker and reformer. In 1996, Lt Lokech’s unconventional proposal became the main plank for two early rounds of reforms in UPDF. Just eight months ago, Gen Lokech was assigned to the police. 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.

To begin with, his sheer humanity. He was humble and understated; grounded and friendly. This, for an overachiever with an intimidating CV. We live in a society where the temptation is very strong indeed, strutting on the national stage like peacocks. Gen Lokech was different. Second, what we have been witnessing in Uganda is not corruption; it is the wholesale plunder of a country. Few are powerful and well-connected, who have abstained from this national pillage. To his great credit, Gen Lokech was among those few. Third, Ugandan society remains deeply divided, particularly along ethnic, regional, political, and confessional fault lines. Remarkably, in death, as in life, Gen Lokech managed to cast a unifying presence on this divided landscape. Gen Lokech’s record in military campaigns has made him a veritable national hero. His personal qualities make him a role model. May more Lokechs sprout out of this rugged and sometimes arid landscape.

The origin of praise : The Lion of Mogadishu.
If there is somebody doing biography of Gen.Paul Lokech, I am sharing this information but can link you to reliable source with details.Over the years, the Al shabaab gained territory, took over and established their centre of business at Bakara Market. Bakara Market became the Al Qaeda centre of operations including open market arms deals.

When late Lokech was arrived at Somali, he was brief on Bakara Market as most dangerous spot in Somalia. Heflew back to Uganda to present a his operation plan – course of action to high command of UPDF chaired byPresident Museveni, others present was General Aronda and also General Wamala. He planed to take over Mogadishu in 9 months – quite ambitious.
Gen.Aronda voted against the plans on account that too risky. General Wamala warned him to be careful and reminded him of the back hawkdown where Al shabaab shot over six American figting jets and taken US army alive, drugged them on streets of Bakara Market.

Despite of that historic defeat of world superpower, president Museveni approved his course of actions and he flew back to Somalia. On arrival, he briefed the commanders on the plan, to him, he considered the plan leaked. He told the soldier, Bakara market must be updf command centre there must be taken over. Two months before operation plan official launched, he attacked Bakara market at wie hours of the night -suprise attack. Al shabaab couldn’t use the snippers mounted on top of the building. Updf manouver through the building at Bakara market till the whole Mogadishu was freed.

Lokech then informed the high command and confirmed updf captured Bakara market and they are holding the ground. When radio message reached Museveni, he then called the president of Somalia at that time. Then he said: I have never seen such an brave, intelligent and disciplined soldier in all of my life. Lokech is a true Lion of Mogadishu.