Nakaseke, Uganda: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has pledged the full support of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) towards the government’s ambition of transforming Uganda into a US$500 billion economy by 2040, saying national security remains central to sustainable socio-economic development.
Addressing thousands of recruits during the pass-out ceremony at Kaweweta Military Training School on Thursday, Gen. Muhoozi said the military remains committed to protecting Uganda’s stability while supporting the country’s development agenda.
“The UPDF remains fully committed to supporting the government’s strategic objective of building a US$500 billion economy by 2040,” the CDF said.
Gen. Muhoozi congratulated President Museveni on his victory in the January 2026 General Election and subsequent inauguration in May, wishing him success during the new term under the theme “Kisanja No More Sleep.”
He said the military remains fully aligned with the President’s vision of securing Uganda while accelerating economic transformation through wealth creation, industrialisation and infrastructure development.
The CDF also paid tribute to Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth, the former Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, for his role in spearheading the UPDF (Amendment) Act, 2025, which he said has strengthened the legal framework governing the armed forces.
He further credited Oboth for championing reforms aimed at improving the welfare of soldiers and expressed confidence in the Speaker’s continued support for the defence sector.
Updates on regional operations
Gen. Muhoozi outlined the UPDF’s ongoing regional security operations, saying troops continue to maintain pressure on Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) remnants operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
He noted that the military has implemented stringent standard operating procedures to safeguard deployed personnel amid the Ebola outbreak affecting parts of the region.
On operations in South Sudan, the CDF said the security situation in Juba has stabilised significantly since the deployment of UPDF forces.
Regarding Somalia, he acknowledged that the mission is experiencing what he described as “sustainability headwinds,” but said the UPDF High Command, working under President Museveni’s strategic guidance, will soon determine the most appropriate course of action.
Warns against foreign agents
Gen. Muhoozi also issued a stern warning against what he described as a “fifth column” of foreign agents and sympathisers of neo-colonial interests allegedly working to undermine Uganda’s sovereignty.
He warned that security agencies would firmly deal with any individuals within political or media circles whose actions threaten national security or impede the country’s progress.
“We shall not tolerate elements seeking to undermine Uganda’s sovereignty and national development,” he said.
The CDF said the UPDF continues to implement wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving the welfare and operational effectiveness of its personnel. He highlighted ongoing salary enhancements, expansion of accommodation facilities, modernisation of office infrastructure, and upgrades to operational planning centres across the country.
Gen. Muhoozi added that military schools and hospitals are also undergoing significant improvements to better serve active personnel, veterans and their families.
To the graduating soldiers, the CDF urged them to remain physically fit, uphold absolute discipline and loyalty, and develop an unwavering warrior spirit throughout their military careers. “Maintain physical and medical fitness, uphold discipline and loyalty, and cultivate an unyielding warrior spirit,” he told the recruits.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has consistently emphasised the relationship between national security and economic transformation, arguing that sustainable investment, industrialisation and wealth creation depend on a stable security environment.
The UPDF is currently deployed in regional operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Somalia under bilateral and multinational security arrangements aimed at combating terrorism and promoting regional stability.
Meanwhile, Kaweweta Military Training School Commandant Brig. Gen. John Patrick Otongo said the recruits had undergone comprehensive training designed to prepare them for modern warfare.
He noted that while technology continues to transform military operations, courage, discipline and sound judgement remain the defining qualities of an effective soldier.
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