Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has applauded President Yoweri Museveni for his transformative leadership that has turned the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) into a modern and professional army.
Speaking at a farewell ceremony for over 500 UPDF officers who completed an eight-month intensive training course at the School of Artillery and Air Defence in Olilim, Katakwi District on Thursday, Alupo commended the President, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the country’s security apparatus.
“I would like to extend my appreciation to President Museveni for fully professionalizing Uganda’s armed forces, including the UPDF, the Police Force, and the Uganda Prisons Service,” Alupo said.
She highlighted that the training in artillery and air defence equips officers with the specialized skills necessary to operate complex weapon systems, detect and engage both ground and aerial threats, and protect critical military installations and national infrastructure.
Alupo emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, adherence to national laws, patriotism, and continuous training as key characteristics of a professional army.
“Today, when you meet teams from air defence, artillery, infantry, military intelligence, and marine units, they all function as one cohesive force. They understand that their roles are interconnected,” she said.
The Vice President urged the trainees to carry the spirit of teamwork into their respective deployments, reminding them that although their specialties differ, each role is equally vital to the mission.
She also stressed the importance of continuous training, noting that it is not a punishment but a tool for excellence and precision in service delivery.
“As members of the armed forces, your adherence to the Constitution and the UPDF Act is not optional, it is a core tenet of your profession,” she added.
Alupo, who is also the Katakwi District Woman MP and NRM flag bearer in the upcoming general elections, encouraged the officers to remain ideologically clear and patriotic.
She urged them to study Uganda’s history and appreciate the army’s pivotal role in maintaining peace, political stability, and economic development as the country aims for upper-middle-income status.
She further encouraged the officers to embrace regional cooperation through trade and strategic partnerships in the Great Lakes region and the broader African market, which serves over 1.4 billion people.
Alupo commended the UPDF for its contributions to peace missions in Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, describing these efforts as acts of Pan-Africanism that strengthen continental security.
Maj. Gen. Wilberforce Sserunkuuma, Commander of the UPDF 3rd Division, praised the trainees for their resilience and discipline during the course. He urged them to be patriotic and responsible, particularly when handling the sophisticated military equipment, each valued at over Shs 1 billion.
“As we head into the general elections, your role in maintaining peace, unity, and security is more crucial than ever,” he told the officers.
Vincent Savior Okwii, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Katakwi, applauded the strong relationship and coordination between the UPDF, local government, and civilian communities (wanainchi).
The Commandant of the School, Lt. Col. James Otowa Ebelin, assured Ugandans that the graduates, having undergone rigorous training with a focus on discipline and endurance, are ready to defend the nation.
He, however, cited challenges such as inadequate accommodation and the lack of nearby health facilities, which continue to affect the training school.
