The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division Commander, Brig Gen Michael Walaka Hyeroba, has urged troops to uphold patriotism, discipline and national consciousness to safeguard Uganda’s peace and sovereignty.
Brig Gen Hyeroba made the remarks at the division headquarters in Moroto District during the official closure of a one-week Political Ideology and Patriotism training for officers and soldiers.
He described political education as a key pillar of the UPDF, guided by the strategic leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He also commended the participants for their discipline and commitment throughout the training.
“You are not just soldiers of 3 Division, you are soldiers of Uganda. Protect our people, respect Wanainchi, and work hard to ensure Karamoja remains peaceful and productive,” he told the troops.
Brig Gen Hyeroba emphasised the importance of understanding the purpose of military service and each soldier’s responsibility to the country.
“An officer without ideology is like a boat without a compass. You must understand why you are in uniform and who you serve,” he added.
Lt Col Simon Peter Kulumba, one of the facilitators, said political education was essential in building a professional army committed to serving and protecting the population.
“A soldier without ideology is a potential danger to the people he is meant to protect. This training has been about understanding why we serve, what Uganda stands for, and where we are going as a nation. We must remain loyal to the Constitution, to the people of Uganda, and to the principles of Pan-Africanism and patriotism,” he said.
Lt Col Kulumba urged the troops to promote unity wherever they are deployed, particularly in the Karamoja Sub-region, where the UPDF continues to consolidate peace.
