President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), commissioned 774 officer cadets on Tuesday, following their successful completion of a one-year training course at the Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta. This cohort, intake 18 of the 2023/24 class, included 28 cadets from Tanzania and Mali.
During the ceremony, President Museveni congratulated the new officers, emphasizing the rigorous nature of their training, which covered various elements of warfare. He highlighted the importance of exposing trainees early to the complexities of combat.
“In our training here, we try to expose all the trainees to the realities of combat. In the past, they used to separate phases of training but when we discussed, we decided that at an early stage, the officer should be exposed to the multidimensional nature of warfare. That is why I advised them to conduct combined arms exercises early on,” Museveni said.
Museveni also reminded the new officers to view their roles not as jobs but as responsibilities to defend their country. He recalled the origins of their movement during the 1960s and underscored the need for dedication beyond financial incentives.
The President pledged to continue improving the welfare of army officers by providing free housing, education for their children, and healthcare.
Hon. Sarah Mateke, Minister of State for Defence, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, emphasized the importance of the training in professionalizing the UPDF. She noted that the inclusion of cadets from various African countries and the presence of international dignitaries highlighted the need for a unified response to modern security challenges.
“As the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, we are dedicated to this course. The composition of the Officer Cadet intake, drawn from different African countries, underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing security challenges that transcend borders,” Mateke stated.
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, acknowledged the hard work of the cadets over the past year and reminded them of the responsibilities that come with their new roles. He warned against corruption, cowardice, and treachery.
The Commandant of Basic Military Training School, Brig. Gen. Bonny Geoffrey Wolimbwa, praised the graduates for their perseverance through intense academic and field training. He expressed confidence that the skills and knowledge they gained would serve them well as future military leaders.
The ceremony was attended by ministers, and delegations from Mali and Tanzania, among others.