President Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has officially commissioned 413 army officers who completed a rigorous six-month training in armored military warfare at the Uganda Military Academy in Kabamba, Mubende District.
The graduating cohort comprises 74 armor platoon commanders, 122 armor technicians, and 217 armor crew members, all of whom were equipped with advanced skills and tactical training necessary for mechanized military operations.
Addressing the newly passed-out officers, President Museveni congratulated them for their swift mastery of armored equipment and emphasized the strategic integration of both science and artistry in military operations.
“War is an old science and an old art,” the President said. “Science in the form of equipment and art in how you organize and use that equipment. Science always influences the organization and the tactics.”
He also urged the officers to remain vigilant in the face of emerging threats, particularly advancements in aerial warfare and drone technologies.
“The tank has new threats like the air force and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). We must understand the packaging of capacity,” he noted.
Beyond warfare, President Museveni advised the officers to prioritize personal health and integrity, warning against self-destructive habits and corruption within the force.
“Love yourself so that you don’t die of diseases, alcohol, or drugs. And love your equipment. If you’re corrupt and neglect your equipment, you will perish when war comes. A corrupt soldier is an enemy of the country,” he emphasized.
The President also commended UPDF’s ongoing modernization efforts, particularly in infrastructure, welfare, and training.
“I am happy that the Chief of Defence Forces is working on welfare, training, and infrastructure. We have been building barracks and other facilities,” Museveni stated.
Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, confirmed that 14 military institutions, including the Uganda Military Academy – Kabamba, have now been upgraded to centers of excellence.
He also cautioned the graduates to maintain discipline, precision, and professionalism in the field.
Brig. Gen. Peter Chandia, Commandant of the Armored Warfare Training School – Karama, said the graduates were trained in mechanized warfare, firepower mobility, and are fully equipped to operate in complex modern combat environments.
The event concluded with the recognition of top-performing officers from the graduating class.
