President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has underscored the importance of technology, organization, and professionalism in maintaining a strong and effective military, warning that any army that fails to keep pace with modern warfare risks compromising national security.
The President made the remarks on Thursday while presiding over the pass-out ceremony of 10,007 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruits at the Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta.
The ceremony was held simultaneously across multiple UPDF training institutions through a virtual platform, marking a major technological innovation in the force’s graduation ceremonies.
The recruits completed their training at Kaweweta Military Training School, Airborne Training School, Amilcar Cabral Training Wing (SFC) in 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 congratulated the recruits upon successfully completing their basic military training and commended their instructors for maintaining high training standards.
He also praised the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the UPDF leadership for promoting professionalism, fighting corruption, and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the force.
The President further applauded the military leadership for prudently utilizing army resources to improve soldiers’ welfare, infrastructure, training, and healthcare services.
Highlighting the critical role of technology and organization in military success, Museveni said armies that fail to modernize expose their countries to danger.
The President reminded the graduates that the pass-out parade marked only the beginning of their military careers, urging them to maintain discipline, physical fitness, and good health throughout their service.
He also called upon the new soldiers to work closely with intelligence agencies and the police to combat vandalism, particularly the theft of electricity infrastructure, which he described as a serious threat to Uganda’s socio-economic development.
Speaking at the same event, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba urged the new recruits to uphold the core values of patriotism, discipline, and selfless service as they begin their military careers.
Gen. Muhoozi described the ceremony as historic because of both the large number of recruits graduating and its hybrid format, which linked several training schools through technology.
He commended the various training institutions for instilling discipline, patriotism, and professionalism in the recruits, saying they had successfully introduced the young Ugandans to the UPDF’s values and way of life.
The CDF, however, warned against the misuse of military resources, pledging to enforce strict accountability within the force. He also thanked President Museveni for his continued support to the UPDF and applauded regional commanders, instructors, and trainers for their dedication in preparing the new soldiers.
Brig. Gen. Bonny Wolimbwa, Commandant of the Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, hailed the graduates for their resilience, discipline, and patriotism throughout the training programme.
He acknowledged that many recruits encountered physical and mental challenges during the course, including moments of self-doubt, but said they demonstrated determination and perseverance that enabled them to complete the rigorous military training successfully.
