President Museveni has urged newly commissioned Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers to maintain discipline, protect their health, reject corruption and continuously improve their professional skills, saying the values are essential for building a stronger military and a secure Uganda.
“You now need to look after your discipline and your health because if you do not have good health, you cannot be a good soldier. Maintain discipline, take care of your health, avoid corruption and your future will be very bright. You are only beginning your journey,” Museveni said.
The President made the remarks while presiding over the hybrid pass-out ceremony of the 18th Intake (2025/2026) of UPDF recruits at the Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District.
A total of 11,948 recruits completed their training and were passed out, including 1,741 recruits from the Central African Republic (CAR) who trained alongside their Ugandan counterparts.
The recruits underwent training at Kaweweta, Ruhengyere and Butyaba training schools after beginning the programme in September 2025.
Museveni congratulated the new soldiers from Uganda and CAR, urging them to continue advancing their knowledge through professional military education and specialised training.
“First of all, I want to congratulate the soldiers from the Central African Republic and those from Uganda who have completed this course,” he said.
He said modern military service requires continuous learning and adaptation to ensure soldiers remain effective in protecting their countries.
Museveni defended the demanding nature of military training, saying physical endurance prepares soldiers for the realities of combat.
Reflecting on the liberation struggle, he said some recruits in the past complained to their parents after undergoing tough exercises that included crawling through mud, moving through bushes and enduring intense drills.
“Some parents would complain, saying in Luganda, ‘Muyisa abaana baffe ng’ebisolo,’ meaning we were treating their children like animals because we made them roll in the mud,” he said.
“But all that is necessary. You need a lot of physical exercise so that you are in good shape when you go to the battlefield. If you do not sharpen soldiers enough, then you become their enemy and the enemy of the country because they will fail to defend it and they will also die.”
The President said the UPDF had entered a new phase that requires increased commitment, hard work and accountability.
“As you have been hearing, even Gen. Muhoozi has told you that this is Kisanja Hakuna Kulala (No More Sleep). We have made many achievements, but we could have achieved even more if some of our people had not become complacent,” Museveni said.
He added that discipline and accountability would remain central to the army’s operations.
Museveni said national security depends on economic strength, arguing that a country cannot sustain a powerful military without a modern economy.
“You cannot have a strong army without a strong economy. Anything that undermines the economy also undermines national security,” he said.
He identified commercial agriculture, manufacturing, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and services as key sectors that will drive Uganda’s economic transformation.
The President also said Uganda must strengthen its defence capabilities by developing capacity to manufacture its own weapons.
“We shall also have to start producing our own weapons so that we are ready to stand on our own,” he said.
Museveni commended Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the UPDF leadership for improving soldiers’ welfare and military infrastructure.
He pledged government support to rehabilitate the Katugo–Kaweweta road, which he said had been in poor condition for years, as well as the Ngoma–Butalangwa–Masindi road.
Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba congratulated the recruits for choosing military service, describing it as a patriotic commitment to defending Uganda.
“The decision to join military service is a lifelong commitment to defending your country. I thank every recruit for making that bold and patriotic decision,” he said.
He praised the training institutions for producing soldiers equipped with the discipline, skills and values required for active service.
“It is evident that these young men and women have mastered the required military skills and are now ready to undertake active duty in service of the motherland,” Gen. Muhoozi said.
The CDF said Uganda remains peaceful and secure, attributing this to the professionalism of the UPDF and other security agencies.
He, however, warned against what he described as foreign-sponsored efforts aimed at undermining Uganda’s interests.
“We shall never allow foreign interests to determine Uganda’s future or demoralise our patriotic forces,” he said.
Gen. Muhoozi highlighted improvements in soldiers’ welfare, including better accommodation, improved remuneration and continued investment in military schools and health facilities.
He urged the new soldiers to maintain discipline, physical fitness and professionalism throughout their careers.
“Protect your lives, maintain your medical and physical fitness, cultivate the warrior spirit and remain disciplined at all times. Those values will enable you to accomplish every mission entrusted to you.”
He also commended UPDF troops serving in regional and international peace support operations in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan for their sacrifice and professionalism.
Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence) Grace Ngabirano Akifeza described the pass-out ceremony as a major milestone in the lives of the recruits.
“This is not an ordinary day. It marks your transformation from civilian life into military life. You leave here today as resilient young men and women who are now prepared to defend Uganda’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she said.
She urged the recruits to uphold patriotism, loyalty and selfless service.
The Commandant of the UPDF Basic Military Training School, Kaweweta, Brig. Gen. John Patrick Otongo, said the recruits had undergone rigorous physical training, military drills and ideological orientation that shaped them into disciplined soldiers.
He said the 43-week training programme equipped them with teamwork, leadership skills, patriotism and commitment to national service.
Salwa Amanya emerged as the best overall recruit, while other outstanding performers included Tasi Chrispas, Opoka Richard, Nashemeza Michelle and Frank Loko.
