President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has presided over the commissioning of 498 Officer Cadets of Intake 19/25 (Long Course) at the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District.
The Head of State commended the newly commissioned officers for successfully completing their training, describing them as “young patriots joining an army of warriors and heroes founded on patriotism, Pan-Africanism, discipline, professionalism, and resilience.”
Museveni applauded the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the UPDF leadership for maintaining what he termed as a “tradition of excellence” in grooming disciplined and ideologically grounded officers.
He made special mention of the 177km Salim Saleh Trek undertaken by the cadets as part of their final exercise, noting that it pays tribute to Uganda’s heroic past and the sacrifices that birthed a stable nation.
The President also expressed satisfaction with the participation of officer cadets from other African countries, including Tanzania, Somalia, Mali, and the Central African Republic, underscoring the growing spirit of continental solidarity.
“I am glad to see cooperation with our African brothers from Tanzania, Somalia, Mali, and the Central African Republic — proof that Africa can manage her own affairs,” Museveni said.
The ceremony marks yet another milestone in the UPDF’s efforts to build a modern, professional, and Pan-African-oriented force, committed to safeguarding peace and security both within Uganda and across the region.
