The ceremony, the first of its kind, combined recruits from multiple UPDF training centers through a virtual platform, marking a major technological innovation in military graduations.
The soldiers hailed from Kaweweta Military Training School, Airborne Training School, Amilcar Cabral Training Wing (SFC) 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.
“I am very happy with this innovation. In the past, we would move from one school to another to pass out recruits. But with this technology, we can gather them virtually in one ceremony. This spirit of innovation and transformation is very good for the army,” the President said during the ceremony.
President Museveni also congratulated the officers for successfully completing their training and thanked their instructors for the high standards of preparation.
“I want to congratulate the young soldiers for doing a good job. I also thank the instructors. Before we came here, I witnessed some exercises which were excellently executed. That showed that the training has been good,” he said.
President Museveni therefore commended the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and the UPDF leadership for fostering a new spirit within the force, emphasizing professionalism, fighting corruption and enhancing the army’s lethality.
“I want to thank the CDF and the commanders for bringing a new spirit into the UPDF of fighting corruption and emphasizing professionalism. An army must be lethal- sharp, not blunt,” he stressed.
Highlighting the critical importance of technology and organization in military strength, President Museveni warned that any army that lags behind risks national security.
“Fighting is about two things: offense and defense. From ancient times, we had the spear, the arrow, and the shield. These methods are constantly evolving. When the army lags behind in technology, fighting skills, and organization, the country is in danger. That’s what happened to Africa in the past. Our chiefs were colonized because they failed to keep up with military technology and organization,” he said.
President Museveni further praised the current leadership for wisely using army resources to address key areas such as welfare, infrastructure, training, and health.
“The CDF and his team are solving the army’s problems well, that’s very important for a modern force,” President Museveni said.
Addressing the graduates, the President reminded them that today marked only the beginning of their military careers and emphasized the importance of maintaining good health and discipline.
“You must look after yourselves and stay medically fit. It’s fair for you, for the army, and for your families. It’s not fair for the army to trust you, and your families to celebrate you, only for you to become unfit later,” he strongly advised them.
President Museveni also called on the new soldiers to work closely with intelligence agencies and police to combat vandalism, particularly the theft of electrical infrastructure, which he described as a serious threat to national development.
“It is your duty to sit, coordinate, and eradicate vandalism,” President Museveni said.
President Museveni concluded by expressing his pride in the graduates and their instructors.
“It’s my pleasure to pass out these officers who have just graduated. I congratulate you all and wish you successful careers,” President Museveni said.
Meanwhile, the best students were also awarded by the President for their outstanding performance.
Additionally, the soldiers took an oath of allegiance to protect the people of Uganda from both external and internal threats, upholding the values and spirit of service to their motherland, among others.
On his part, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba urged newly commissioned officers to uphold the values of patriotism, discipline, and selfless service as they embark on their military careers.
Gen. Muhoozi described the event as historic, noting its significance in both the number of recruits and its hybrid nature.
Your Excellency, today’s inauguration is not an ordinary one. First, it has attracted a large number of attendees. Secondly, it is a hybrid function with slightly over a third of participants physically present here. Thirdly, the direct participation of all stakeholders highlights the importance we attach to this occasion,” Gen. Muhoozi said.
He commended the various schools and institutions that nurtured the young Ugandans, introducing them to the UPDF’s way of life, a life founded on discipline and patriotism.
“I thank these young, patriotic Ugandans before you for making the very important decision to join the forces. We all know it takes serious consideration to decide to serve the country selflessly,” he added.
Gen. Muhoozi also emphasized that the recruits’ basic training course, which took nine months, is only the beginning of their military journey.
He assured them of continued training and professional development.
“These men and women, drawn from all districts and regions of Uganda as envisioned by the Constitution, have undergone thorough training. UPDF must have a national character, and today’s recruits represent that vision,” he said.
Highlighting improvements in soldiers’ welfare, Gen. Muhoozi said under President Museveni’s leadership, the UPDF had enhanced the living and working conditions of its personnel.
“Your Excellency, these young Ugandans could not have joined the UPDF at a better time. We have improved accommodation, clothing, transport, logistics management, education for soldiers’ children, and other services. We want our soldiers and their families to be proud of their service,” the CDF stated.
He however warned against the misuse of military resources, vowing to uphold strict accountability standards within the force.
“Under your guidance, Your Excellency, we are confident that we will achieve our milestones. We are working to ensure value for money for every shilling. We will no longer tolerate wastage and abuse of our scarce resources that should instead improve the operating conditions of our brave soldiers. It is abhorrent and sacrilegious for any commander or officer to misuse or divert resources for selfish gain. We shall not hesitate to take decisive action against those who do not heed this call,” Gen. Muhoozi declared.
He further thanked President Museveni for his unwavering support to the UPDF and praised the dedication of regional commanders and trainers who had successfully prepared the new recruits.
“Training our combatants well ensures Uganda remains safe and secure. Our country enjoys peace and a vibrant economy, and as UPDF, we must continue playing our part diligently,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Gen. Muhoozi urged the new recruits to maintain the spirit of commitment and patriotism, assuring them that history would judge their decision to serve the nation as the right one.
“I thank Your Excellency, and I thank all those who have contributed to this success,” he concluded.
Brig. Gen. Bonny Wolimbwa, Commandant of the Basic Military Training School- Kaweweta praised the graduates for their resilience, discipline, and patriotism during the training.
“Your Excellency, 36 weeks ago, these recruits reported here as ordinary citizens. Today, we are witnessing their transformation into disciplined warriors, molded to defend this nation and to portray the highest standards of discipline,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges the recruits faced during training, including moments of self-doubt, but commended their perseverance.
“At the start, they stood at the verge of a demanding path, unsure of their full potential. But with each passing day, they learned teamwork, leadership, patriotism, and the true meaning of service to the nation,” Brig. Gen. Wolimbwa noted.
The commandant noted that over the nine months of rigorous training, the recruits experienced the power of comradeship and resilience, overcoming various obstacles to emerge stronger and more united.
