By Caroline N
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on newly graduated Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruits to embrace discipline, patriotism, integrity and continuous professional development as they begin their military careers, saying these qualities are essential for safeguarding Uganda’s security and supporting national development.
The President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, made the remarks while officiating at the hybrid pass-out ceremony for the 18th Intake (2025/2026) at the UPDF Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District.
The ceremony brought together recruits who completed their 43-week basic military training at Kaweweta, Ruhengyere and Butyaba training schools. A total of 11,948 recruits graduated, including 1,741 from the Central African Republic (CAR), who trained alongside their Ugandan counterparts.
Congratulating the graduates, President Museveni described the completion of training as an important milestone but reminded them that military service demands lifelong commitment, discipline and self-improvement.
“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,” he said.
The President urged the recruits to continue advancing their military knowledge through professional education and specialised courses, noting that modern security challenges require well-trained and highly skilled personnel.
He also defended the demanding nature of military training, explaining that the rigorous physical exercises are necessary to prepare soldiers for the realities of combat and operational duties.
“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,” he said.
President Museveni further stressed that the UPDF had entered a new era requiring greater discipline, accountability and dedication from all personnel.
He underscored the close relationship between national security and economic transformation, noting that a strong economy provides the foundation for a capable and modern defence force.
Also he identified commercial agriculture, manufacturing, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and services as the key sectors driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. He also reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening Uganda’s defence capabilities through local production of military equipment.
The President commended Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the UPDF leadership for improving soldiers’ welfare and infrastructure within military establishments. He also pledged to rehabilitate the Katugo–Kaweweta and Ngoma–Butalangwa–Masindi roads to improve access to the training facilities.
Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba congratulated the graduates for choosing a life of service, describing military service as one of the highest expressions of patriotism.
“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 urged the new soldiers to uphold discipline, maintain physical fitness and remain committed to protecting Uganda’s sovereignty. Gen. Muhoozi also assured Ugandans that the country’s security remains stable and paid tribute to UPDF personnel serving in regional peace support operations in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence), Hon. Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, described the ceremony as a significant transition from civilian life to military service and encouraged the recruits to uphold patriotism, loyalty and selfless service throughout their careers.
The Commandant of the UPDF Basic Military Training School, Kaweweta, Brig. Gen. John Patrick Otongo, said the 43-week programme had transformed the recruits into disciplined soldiers equipped with the resilience, leadership and professionalism required to defend the country.
The ceremony concluded with the recognition of outstanding performers, with Salwa Amanya emerging as the best overall recruit. Other award recipients included Tasi Chrispas, Opoka Richard, Nashemeza Michelle and Frank Loko for their exceptional performance during training.
