The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has presided over the joint pass-out of 11,948 recruits who completed Basic Military Training at various UPDF training schools across the country, with the main ceremony held at the Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta.
The nationwide pass-out simultaneously brought together recruits from the Basic Military Training School, Kaweweta; the Special Forces Command Training School, Ruhengyere; the 3 Infantry Division Training School, Olilim, in Katakwi District; the 5 Infantry Division Training School, Labworodongo, in Agago District; and the Butiaba Training School in Buliisa District under the Artillery Division.
The cohort comprised 10,207 Ugandan recruits and 1,741 personnel from the Central African Republic (CAR).
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In his address, President Museveni reminded them that military service requires discipline, integrity, professionalism, and continuous self-improvement.
“You are just beginning your journey as soldiers. If you maintain discipline, safeguard your health, reject corruption and continue developing professionally through military courses, your future will be bright,” President Museveni said.
The Commander-in-Chief underscored the importance of rigorous military training in preparing soldiers for the realities of the battlefield. Comparing military preparation to sharpening a machete before cutting trees, he said demanding training builds resilience, courage, and combat readiness.
“A soldier who is not properly trained is a danger to himself and to the country. Tough training prepares soldiers to accomplish difficult missions and survive on the battlefield,” he said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Uganda’s defence industry through local production of military equipment while continuing to improve soldiers’ welfare, accommodation, and military infrastructure.
The President also urged Ugandans to elect accountable leaders committed to fighting corruption, noting that corruption undermines national development, security, and prosperity.
The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence), Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, commended President Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for their unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of UPDF personnel through enhanced accommodation, infrastructure, healthcare, and other welfare programmes.
She also applauded the UPDFleadership, and the Basic Military Training School, Kaweweta, for their dedication to transforming recruits into disciplined, professional, and mission-ready soldiers.
“The successful completion of this training is a testament to the UPDF’s commitment to building a professional force capable of safeguarding Uganda’s peace, security and sovereignty. I congratulate the instructors and leadership of the training school for this remarkable achievement,” Hon. Ngabirano said.
The Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, congratulated the recruits upon joining the rank and file of the UPDF and commended President Museveni for his strategic leadership and continued support in strengthening Uganda’s defence capabilities.
“The soldiers graduating today have acquired the necessary military knowledge, discipline and skills required to undertake their constitutional mandate of defending Uganda and its people,” he said.
The CDF highlighted progress made in improving soldiers’ welfare through enhanced remuneration, expanded accommodation, modernisation of military schools and health facilities, and the construction of modern operational infrastructure across the Defence Forces.
He urged the soldiers to remain physically fit, uphold discipline, courage, and loyalty, and maintain the warrior ethos that defines the UPDF.
Gen Kainerugaba further assured Ugandans that the country’s security remains stable, noting that the UPDF continues to safeguard national sovereignty while contributing to regional peace and stability through operations in Somalia, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan.
He added that the 1,741 personnel from the Central African Republic marked a significant milestone in defence cooperation between Uganda and CAR.
The Commandant of the Basic Military Training School, Brigadier General John Patrick Otongo, said the recruits had undergone intensive military instruction designed to transform civilians into disciplined, professional, and mission-ready soldiers.
“The recruits standing before you today have endured demanding physical and mental training that has instilled in them discipline, patriotism, teamwork, leadership and unwavering commitment to the defence of our country,” Brig Gen Otongo said.
He commended the instructors for their professionalism and dedication in mentoring the recruits and expressed appreciation to neighbouring communities and the recruits’ families for their continued support throughout the training period.
The ceremony was attended by Service Commanders, Service Chiefs of Staff, Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior and junior UPDF officers, representatives of the diplomatic corps, religious and cultural leaders, local government officials, families of the recruits, and other guests.
