[1] From April 2015 until June 2016, he served as the deputy force commander of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) and was in charge of logistical support.
[2][3] From July 2013 until April 2015, he served as the commanding officer of the UPDF 3rd Division, based in Moroto.
[6] In the 1990s while at the rank of brigadier, Lakara served as the commanding officer of the UPDF 2nd Division based in Mbarara.
[7] Later, he served as the UPDF chief of staff but was relieved of his post and court marshalled on account of "ghost soldiers in the army".
[8] Following the dismissal of some of the charges, and acquittal on others, he remained undeployed from 2003 until 2011 when he was admitted to the National Defence College, Kenya for a senior staff strategic course.