The President of the Republic of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief of UPDF Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has told 203 newly commissioned Ugandan Officers that they should consider themselves fortunate to be part of the officer corps in a force that has made significant contribution to the wellbeing of their motherland and the region.
“Consider being commissioned as officers of the UPDF as a very rear
opportunity. UPDF is a force that was historically needed in Uganda, otherwise
Uganda would have by now disintegrated. UPDF was able to reverse the declining
Uganda because of our Ideology, strategy and discipline. Without any money we
were able to build a very strong force which saved Uganda and contributed to
regional peace. Therefore, for you to be a part of this is a very great honor
and you should not take it lightly or misuse your chances”, said President
Museveni.
The President was at Uganda Military Academy- Kabamba in Mubende Distric where the cadets had completed a year- long course. Twenty-four of the Commissioned Officers were females and another 20 Somali Nationals under a bilateral arrangement between Uganda and Somalia. Four medical doctors were commissioned to the rank of Captain and the rest Second Lieutenants.
The President reminded the newly commissioned Officers that they are members of
a liberation army and so should clearly differentiate themselves from the
traditional tribal and colonial armies that did not serve the interest of the
people.
“Always be ready to defend Uganda’s democracy, champion patriotism and
nationalism on top of embracing and working for Pan-Africanism and socio-economic
transformation of our society,” he said.
He further urged them that time allowing , they should engage in wealth creation activities.
The President advised parents not to expect much from the new officers but rather support them in establishing themselves.
He told the officers to remain focused on their careers, guard against dangers
such as HIV in order to be successful in their lives. The president noted that
there are many new chances available in the UPDF that were not there a few
decades ago. He cited the example of Uganda Military Academy that will from
this year offer a 3 year- degree program and soon receive facilities such as
additional dormitories to facilitate training.
“In the past, some of us had to go to Mozambique to get knowledge whereas presently
knowledge is free here,” he emphasized.
In his remarks, the UPDF Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Wilson Mbadi who represented the Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi, congratulated the officers upon successful completion of a hectic course but cautioned them against seeking for presumably comfortable deployments. He said the officers should mentally prepare themselves to serve anywhere because their recruitment was based on demand to fill some command positions.
Gen Mbadi further advised them to embrace the spirit of hard work like their predecessors, continuous training, exercise a high degree of discipline and patriotism. He said the Officers should carry out all their assignments with diligence, enthusiasm and maintain good relationship with wanainchi
The Commandant Brig. Charles Byaruhanga said that the objectives of the training were successfully achieved and that the Officers were equipped with knowledge, skills and UPDF tradition. He however cautioned them to put into practice what they learnt, pay allegiance and never shame the country.
Four Officers received awards for excelling during the one-year course O/Cadet Abdul Wahab Harun was best overall student, O/Cadet Sumaya Nangobi best in class,O/Cadet Mutegeki Clovis best in the field, O/Cadet Mugarura John best in discipline, while O/Cadet Abdullai Ahmed Diiri was the best fraternal student.
The function was attended by the Hon. Minister of State for Kampala Capital City Authority Ms Benna Namugwanya, a delegation from the Federal Government of Somalia led by the Somalia National Army Deputy Commander Land Forces Brig Abdi Abdullahi Shire, the UPDF Deputy Commander Land forces Maj. Gen. Sam Kavuma,the Deputy Commander Airforces Maj Gen. Gavas Mugyenyi and the Chief of Staff Land Forces Maj Gen Leopald Eric Kyanda and family members of the newly commissioned officers among others.
