President and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Armed Forces, General Yoweri Museveni has pointed out that the mission of UPDF is to guard nationalism in Uganda, promote Pan Africanism, and support socio-economic transformation as well as democratic institutions in the country.
General Museveni made the remark yesterday after passing out newly trained personnel who have been undergoing a 9-month Basic Infantry Course at Kaweweta Recruits' Training School in Kinyogoga Sub-County, Ngoma County in Nakaseke district.
The President, who on arrival at Kaweweta recruits Training School inspected a guard of honor mounted by officers and men of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), watched a military exercise by the trainees.
Some of the trainees are degree and diploma holders. He congratulated them upon successfully completing their course which he described as a tough one that is not only beneficial to the country but also to the individuals themselves.
"Military training is not easy. It is tough but builds your stamina, body and character,” he said.
President Museveni thanked the personnel for volunteering to join the forces adding, that they will be on high demand for specialized arms of the UPDF which today need educated officers.
He advised the new soldiers to continue progressing in the forces through pursuit of more courses and asked the Chief of Personnel and Administration to follow up the progress of the new soldiers and ensure that they do not stagnate.
Turning to welfare, the President counselled the newly trained personnel to avoid HIV/AIDS, alcohol and corruption.
"Keep away from those evils and concentrate on studying once you are given the chance,” he stressed.
The President commended the Army leadership, the Commandant of Kaweweta Training School as well as instructors, for emphasizing Political Education and Discipline in the Army which distinguishes UPDF from the colonial armies and their off-springs.
"This emphasis of Political Education and Discipline that you have done is very welcome and I want to thank you very much for that,” he remarked.
He also commended the Army leadership for listening to his advice of preparing the training ground and providing realistic training opportunities to the recruits.
The Chief of Defense Forces, General Katumba Wamala, thanked parents for allowing their children to take up the noble cause of serving their country.
He also congratulated them upon successfully completing their course but strongly advised them to protect themselves against the HIV/AIDS pandemic, work hard to earn and avoid being over ambitious to get rich quick, a temptation that, he observed, would get them into trouble.
He also advised the new soldiers to serve their country well and thanked the Commandant of the school and instructors for churning out excellent products.
Lt. Col. Wolimbwa, the Commandant of the Kaweweta Recruits' Training School, pledged to implement all objectives of the school for further professionalization of the Army.
He called on the graduands to be ambassadors of the Army by promoting discipline and the good name of the UPDF.
Earlier General Museveni gave out certificates to the best performing recruits.
The best overall recruit was Twinomugisha Valerian while the best Field Craft recruit was Atim Diana.
Recruit Angella Khabuya was the best female recruit while recruit Ahairwe Abel scooped the best drill slot.
Sign up below to get the latest updates from State House Uganda by email.