Gavas Mugyenyi
Major General Gavas Mugyenyi, also Garvas Mugyenyi is a senior military officer in the Uganda People's Defence Forces. Since January 2020, he has served as Uganda's military attaché to India, representing the nation’s defense interests in a diplomatic capacity. His career spans significant roles in air defense and air force operations, contributing to Uganda’s military modernization and national security.
Before that, from December 2017 until January 2020, he served as the deputy commander of the UPDF Air Force, replacing Major General Sam Kavuma, who was appointed deputy commander of the UPDF Land Forces.
Military career
Commander of the Air Defence Division
Until January 2017, Mugyenyi served as the Commander of the Air Defence Division of the UPDF, based in Nakasongola, Uganda. In this role, he oversaw the country’s air defense systems. His leadership focused on strengthening operational readiness and modernizing air defense infrastructure.
From December 2017 to January 2020, Mugyenyi was the Deputy Commander of the UPDF Air Force, succeeding Major General Sam Kavuma. Appointed following a merger of the UPDF Air Force and Air Defence units, he assumed the role during a handover ceremony on December 19, 2017, at the Air Force Headquarters in Entebbe, presided over by Major General Charles Lutaaya. Mugyenyi emphasized teamwork and professionalism, contributing to the Air Force’s operational advancements.
In January 2020, Mugyenyi was appointed Uganda’s military attaché to India, succeeding his role as Deputy Commander of the UPDF Air Force. The handover for his previous position occurred on January 24, 2020, with Brigadier Geoffrey Katsigazi Tumusiime taking over. As military attaché, Mugyenyi fosters defense cooperation between Uganda and India, leveraging his expertise to strengthen bilateral military ties.