CDF Muhoozi, has tasked Officer Cadets Intake 19 with defending Africa and their home countries to ensure stability and prosperity.
Speaking on behalf of the CDF, the Commander of the UPDF 5 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Keith Katungi, delivered the message to Officer Cadets Course Intake 19/25 at the Basic Military Training School (BMTS) in Kaweweta.
“I expect you to continue defending the motherland, Africa, and your own countries,” Gen Kainerugaba told the 498 cadets who are preparing to graduate after completing a nine-month training program.
Maj Gen Katungi highlighted the role of continuous training in shaping a disciplined, professional, and patriotic military force capable of safeguarding its people.
“What starts from here changes the world,” he said. “After the training here, you are agents of change, but first, know yourself before you can change others or before you know your enemy.”
He urged cadets to lead effectively by supporting and motivating their soldiers, issuing clear orders, and supervising their subordinates closely.
“Be near to your soldiers to improve efficiency,” Maj Gen Katungi stressed. “Once a leader identifies others, always approach situations with solutions, not lamentations.”
Leadership, he added, requires taking ownership of situations and being prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice.
“Carry your country, own up, and be ready to die for your country.”
Maj Gen Katungi also drew on business leadership principles, citing Jack Welch to underscore the importance of generosity and meaningful leadership in the military.
“Celebrate success and give meaning to situations by justifying your actions,” he said. “Success is growing others as a leader.”
Brig Gen JP Otongo, Commandant of BMTS-Kaweweta, congratulated the cadets and lauded the UPDF leadership for enhancing soldiers’ skills in the information age. He urged cadets to remain resilient, saying: “It’s not yet over until it’s done.”
The cadets, totaling 498, include 328 from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, 10 from Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces, 40 from the Somali National Army, 100 from the Central African Republic, and 20 from the Malian Armed Forces.
Following the lecture, the cadets attended a CDF-hosted dinner celebrating their successful progression within the UPDF hierarchy of command.
