President Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), on Saturday presided over the commissioning of 498 Officer Cadets of Intake 19/25 at the UPDF Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, ambassadors, and military delegations from several African nations.
Of the 498 newly commissioned officers, 328 were Ugandans, while 170 were international trainees — including 100 from the Central African Republic, 40 from Somalia, 20 from Mali, and 10 from the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces.
In his address, President Museveni congratulated the cadets upon completing their training, describing them as part of “an army of warriors and heroes.”
“You are joining an army based on the principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, discipline, and professionalism,” the President said.
He praised the cadets for their endurance and commitment, particularly referencing the 177-kilometre “Salim Saleh Walk” undertaken during training, which retraced the 1985 National Resistance Army route to Masindi Barracks.
“That walk symbolizes commitment, sacrifice, and resilience. You are inheriting the spirit of those who never gave up,” Museveni noted.
The President reiterated the UPDF’s guiding principles — patriotism, Pan-Africanism, discipline, and professionalism — urging the newly commissioned officers to uphold them diligently.
“Be disciplined and physically ready to defend your country. You are being commissioned into an army that stands for love of country, love of Africa, and service to the people with dignity,” he said.
President Museveni commended the participation of trainees from other African countries, saying it demonstrated the continent’s ability to build its own defence capabilities.
He also shared a light moment with the audience, recalling an interaction with one of the visiting cadets.
“I asked a young officer what she liked most about Uganda, and she told me ‘akatogo’. That shows the bonds we are building through cooperation,” he said.
The President reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving infrastructure within the Luweero Triangle, noting that several roads in the area have been tarmacked, with the road from Katugo to Kaweweta among those lined up for upgrade.
He further said government would explore pumping water from Lake Kyoga to Nakaseke communities and consider expanding electricity access from Kaweweta to nearby villages.
Museveni commended the UPDF for recent successful operations in Kasese, where soldiers neutralized a group of armed criminals.
“They were defeated by a small group of only 12 soldiers. That confidence comes from solid training,” he said.
In his remarks, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba congratulated the newly commissioned officers and urged them to maintain discipline, resilience, and professionalism throughout their service.
“Among the commissioned officers are soldiers from Somalia, the Central African Republic, Tanzania, and Mali. This is testimony to the UPDF’s growing continental contribution,” he said.
He also updated the public on the security situation, reporting a thwarted attempted attack on security installations in Bundibugyo, Kasese, and Fort Portal on November 1, 2025.
“Confused elements armed mainly with machetes attempted to attack security posts. They were promptly repulsed by the UPDF and Uganda Police. Two attackers were put out of action,” Gen. Muhoozi revealed.
He thanked the residents of the affected areas for cooperating with security forces, adding, “As the ancient Romans used to say — those who desire peace must prepare for war.”
Gen. Muhoozi further commended the security agencies for ensuring peaceful political campaigns ahead of the upcoming elections.
“The campaigns are progressing well, and we thank the security forces for their vigilance and professionalism. However, security will not be compromised in the name of politics,” he cautioned.
Brig. Gen. Otongo John Patrick, the Commandant of Kaweweta Training School, congratulated the officer cadets — including 61 females — for completing their course successfully.
He said the program equipped the officers not only with military tactics but also teamwork, resilience, and professionalism suited for modern warfare.
“Today’s event is more than just a commissioning ceremony — it is a demonstration of the quality and professionalism that defines the UPDF,” Brig. Gen. Otongo said.
He appreciated the Ministry of Defence, UPDF leadership, and international facilitators for their contribution to strengthening the institution’s training capacity.
