President Museveni Hails UPDF Professionalism And Urges Focus On Agricultural Production
The President of the Republic of Uganda and Commander in Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) H.E Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, officiated today at the commissioning ceremony for officer cadets from Intake 07/24 (short professionals) and Intake 03/21-24 (Three-Year Cadet course) at the Uganda Military Academy Kabamba (UMAK) Cantonment in Mubende District.
Addressing the gathering, President Museveni congratulated the 203 newly commissioned officers and praised the UPDF leadership for prioritising both professionalism and productivity. “I thank the army for the professional development of the force and also for production,” he said.
Reflecting on the evolution of military forces, Museveni emphasised the importance of education in modern warfare. “In the past, armies failed because of their illiteracy. Fighting requires knowledge, and illiteracy is not good,” he noted. He commended Uganda for having an educated military capable of embracing modern combat strategies, adding, “I would like to congratulate Uganda for having an educated army, able to absorb modern ideas of fighting a modern war which needs a lot of technical information.”
The President applauded the UPDF’s initiative to transform its training centres into centres of excellence, showcasing plans to enhance the infrastructure at Kabamba. “They showed me the Master Plan that will turn Kabamba into a big centre, where O-level is the minimum requirement for allied forces, and A-level for Ugandan non-professionals joining the academy,” he said.
Turning to agriculture, Museveni encouraged both the graduating officers and local communities to optimise land use by adopting irrigation and fertilisation. “Stop cultivating in swamps because you are under-utilising the land. You aren’t getting the correct value out of it,” he urged, advocating for large-scale farming of crops like cotton while small-scale farmers focus on poultry and fish farming to tackle poverty.
To the new officers, Museveni hailed their entry into a respected and historic force, urging them to maintain good health and avoid distractions such as excessive drinking and womanising. He also warned against corruption, stating, “No need for you to be corrupt.”
The President encouraged the officers to improve their financial stability by enrolling their children in army schools, securing loans from the Wazalendo SACCO, and involving their spouses in productive activities around the barracks.
Hon Huda Abadon Oleru, the Minister of State for Defence and Veterans Affairs(Veteran Affairs), expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his steadfast support in building a capable and professional army. “Your leadership and vision have guided our nation through challenging times,” she said, adding that the day’s celebrations reflected the hard work and perseverance of the cadets.
Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, praised the new graduates for adding strength to the UPDF and the nation. He highlighted the importance of discipline, quoting from Timothy 2:8: “A soldier on active duty wants to please his commanding officer and doesn’t get mixed up in affairs outside of his duty.” He urged the cadets to focus on their roles and avoid unnecessary distractions.
Brig Gen Wycliffe Keita, Commandant of UMAK, stressed the importance of balancing both hard and soft skills in their duties. He acknowledged the presence of cadets from Rwanda and South Sudan, noting that their participation strengthens regional cooperation. “Honour the legacy of our heroes who secured our country,” Brig Gen Keita advised.
Awards were presented to top-performing students, including John Muhenda (Best Overall), Andrew Tibyasa (Best in Field), Evans Atwine (Best Academics), and Samuel Ishimwe from Rwanda (Best Allied Student).
In total, 128 officers from Intake 7 and 71 from Intake 3, including those who completed Bachelor’s degrees in Defence Studies, were commissioned to the ranks of Lieutenant (Lt) and Second Lieutenant (2Lt). The cohorts included officers with both academic and professional training, such as engineers and doctors.
Parade Commander was Col Mark Mugarula.
The commissioning ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Local Government, Hon Raphael Magyezi, the Deputy Commander of Land Force, Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, the Deputy Commander of the UPDF Air Force, Maj Gen David Isimbwa, as well as General Officers, Defence Attachés, senior and junior UPDF officers, Resident District Commissioners, and DISOs.
Also present were teaching staff from Makerere University, religious and local leaders, families and spouses of the graduates, and members of the Kasambya community.
