FAMReports Political Desk | Feature Article
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander in Chief of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), presided over a historic and innovative hybrid pass out ceremony of 10,007 soldiers at the Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta. This groundbreaking event integrated recruits from several UPDF training centers through a virtual platform, marking a significant leap in the use of technology and professionalism within military operations.
The soldiers came from multiple institutions including Kaweweta Military Training School, Airborne Training School, Amilcar Cabral Training Wing SFC Nakasongola, Sera Kasenyi Special Forces Command, Olilim Recruit Training School in Katakwi, Labwordwong Recruit Training School in Agago, Abim Training School, and Ruhengyere SFC Training School in Mbarara.
President Museveni commended the innovation of the hybrid ceremony, noting that in the past it required moving from one training school to another to preside over such events. “With this technology, we can now gather them virtually in one ceremony. This spirit of innovation and transformation is very good for the army,” he said.
He also congratulated the graduating soldiers and thanked the instructors for their dedication and the high standards maintained during training. “I want to congratulate the young soldiers for doing a good job. I also thank the instructors. Before we came here, I witnessed some exercises which were excellently executed. That showed that the training has been good,” he said.
The President praised the Chief of Defence Forces and UPDF leadership for fostering a culture of professionalism, fighting corruption, and enhancing the army’s combat readiness. “An army must be lethal, sharp not blunt. When an army lags behind in technology, skills, and organization, the country is at risk. That is what happened in Africa in the past when our chiefs were colonized for failing to keep up with military advancements,” Museveni remarked.
He further applauded the UPDF leadership for prudent use of army resources in addressing welfare, training, infrastructure, and health needs. “The CDF and his team are solving the army’s problems well. That is very important for a modern force,” he added.
Museveni urged the graduates to stay medically fit, disciplined, and actively work with intelligence agencies and police to tackle threats such as vandalism of national infrastructure.
“It is your duty to coordinate and eradicate vandalism especially of our electrical systems which is a serious threat to national development,” he emphasized.
The soldiers took an oath of allegiance to defend Uganda from internal and external threats, uphold discipline, and serve the nation faithfully.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, described the event as historic due to its hybrid nature and the significant number of recruits involved. “Your Excellency, today’s inauguration is not ordinary. It attracted a large number of attendees, with over a third physically present while others joined virtually. This demonstrates how seriously we take this occasion,” Gen Muhoozi stated.
He thanked the training institutions for shaping the recruits and applauded the soldiers for making the bold decision to serve the country. “Joining the UPDF is a deeply considered decision. It takes courage and commitment to serve selflessly,” he noted.
Gen Muhoozi outlined recent improvements in the force such as better accommodation, transport, clothing, logistics, and education services for soldiers’ families. He also warned against the misuse of military resources, pledging strict accountability. “We will not tolerate wastage and abuse of scarce resources. Any commander or officer who misuses resources for selfish gain will face decisive action,” he declared.
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He expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his unwavering support and emphasized the critical role of training in national security. “Training our combatants well ensures Uganda remains peaceful and economically vibrant,” Gen Muhoozi said.
He encouraged the graduates to uphold the spirit of commitment and patriotism, assuring them that their choice to serve would be honored by history.
Brigadier General Bonny Wolimbwa, Commandant of the Basic Military Training School Kaweweta, praised the graduates for their resilience and dedication. “Thirty six weeks ago, these recruits arrived as civilians. Today, they stand before us as disciplined warriors prepared to defend the nation,” he said.
Brig Gen Wolimbwa acknowledged the physical and mental challenges faced during training but commended the recruits for their perseverance. “They began unsure of their full potential but learned teamwork, leadership, and patriotism. They now understand the true meaning of service to the nation,” he noted.
Over the course of nine months, the recruits overcame obstacles and emerged stronger, shaped by the values of comradeship and unity that define the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces.
