The President and Commander in Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, H.E Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni commissioned a total of 1,143 young officers and air force cadets (74 of whom were female) at the Uganda Military Academy, Kabamba in Mubende District.
The Young Officer Cadets intake 5/2020-2021 were drawn from different in-service units of the UPDF; 272 (UMAK), 126 from the Air force who included 52 Pilots Cadets, 317 (SOI-Bihanga), 426 (NCOA-Jinja), one Officer Cadet from Kenya Military Academy and one Officer Cadet from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
President Museveni congratulated the graduands and cautioned them against living promiscuous lifestyles, Alcohol and drugs noting that they join the Army as healthy soldiers and officers and they should remain healthy during their time of service in the UPDF.
President Museveni added that the UPDF is both an intellectual and physical organisation and called upon the leadership of the Army to emphasize career planning and progression of service personnel for proper placement of staff and said that continuous and timely training is crucial in terms of getting Manpower.
The President also noted that the government has handled security issues correctly saying that issues in Karamoja are known and durable solutions in terms of maintaining concentration and dispersal operations are being addressed.
General David Muhoozi, the Chief of Defence Forces thanked the President for prioritizing the continuous improvement and mobilization of the UPDF so as to match the demanding tasks and emerging issues.
“Defending our country is our business and we must do it effectively.” Gen Muhoozi noted.
Brigadier General Charles Byaruhanga, the Commandant of the Uganda Military Academy (UMA) Kabamba congratulated the Young Officer Cadets upon successfully completing the Training at the Academy through hard work and discipline an endurance that has prepared them for the Career they are embarking on.
“As Professional UPDF Officers, you should respect and groom your subordinates as part of your own family if you want them to achieve great results. Above all, be God fearing officers and sacrifice for our motherland Uganda and respect the oath you have taken today for the rest of your life.” Brig Gen Byaruhanga said.
Best Overall Students, In Class, In Field and Best Female were awarded.
Present at the Commissioning were the Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence, Lt Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso, Commander Land Forces, Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, Joint Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu, Service Chiefs and School Commandants.
