Nakaseke, Uganda: The Commander in Chief and President, Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has praised the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) leadership for fostering a renewed spirit of professionalism, lethality, and innovation within the military.
Speaking at the pass-out ceremony of over 10,000 recruits at the Basic Military Training School (BMTS) Kaweweta on Monday, April 28, the President hailed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and military commanders for their decisive efforts against corruption and inefficiency.
“An army must be sharp and lethal, not blunt, and this is what the CDF has been talking about,” Gen Museveni emphasized.
The President reiterated the historical importance of technological and organizational advancement in warfare, warning that failure to innovate had once left Africa vulnerable to colonialism and the slave trade.
Reflecting on the hybrid nature of the graduation ceremony, with simultaneous physical and virtual attendance, Museveni lauded the UPDF for embracing technology to enhance efficiency.
President Museveni also commended the CDF’s stance on fighting corruption within the military, describing it as key to preserving the UPDF’s integrity and strength.
The CDF, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, assured the President of zero tolerance for misuse of military resources. “It is abhorrent and sacrilegious for any commander or officer to misuse or divert resources for selfish gain,” the no-nonsense commander stated. “We shall not hesitate to take decisive action against those who do not heed this call.”
Gen Kainerugaba, who has recently spearheaded the arrest of corrupt officers within the army ranks, emphasized that prudent resource management would be central to achieving UPDF’s operational milestones.
“…We are confident that we will achieve the set milestones one at a time. We are trying to do this by ensuring value for every shilling. We will no longer tolerate wastage and abuse of our limited and scarce resources,” he added.
Gen. Kainerugaba told the recruits that they had joined the UPDF at a time of significant improvement in officer welfare, including better remuneration, accommodation, health services, transport logistics, and education opportunities for soldiers’ children.
He emphasized the honour and responsibility of military service. “Becoming a warrior is the highest vocation or calling one can have. Nothing compares,” the CDF declared.
The CDF also reminded the new soldiers that basic training was only the beginning of their journey. “A lot more training is yet to come. We will continue sharpening them until they are the best warriors able to deal with whatever is thrown at them. UPDF ni Simba. UPDF ni Hatari sana,” he said.
Gen. Kainerugaba reaffirmed that continuous training, acquisition of modern equipment, and enhancing technical proficiency were vital in preparing the UPDF for evolving threats. “The dangers we face are constantly evolving, and so must we,” he noted.
The event was attended by senior UPDF commanders, district officials, and other dignitaries.
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