KAWEWETA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has passed out 11,947 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruits, including 1,002 trainees from the Central African Republic (CAR), at the Kaweweta Military Training School.

Addressing the new soldiers, President Museveni congratulated them upon completing their training and urged them to uphold discipline, integrity, good health and continuous training, describing these as the pillars of a strong and professional army.

“A capable army is built on discipline, integrity, good health and rigorous training,” Museveni said, adding that in the “Kisanja of No More Sleep,” Ugandans must embrace hard work to accelerate national transformation.

The President noted that Uganda’s security strength is closely linked to economic progress, stressing that a strong economy provides the foundation for a strong defence force.

“A strong army depends on a strong economy. We shall continue building Uganda through wealth creation, industrialisation and stronger defence capabilities,” he said.

Museveni also commended the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the UPDF leadership for efforts aimed at improving the welfare of soldiers.

Turning to the upcoming Local Council I (LCI) and Women Council elections, the President urged citizens to choose leaders with integrity, saying grassroots leadership is critical in fighting corruption and ensuring effective service delivery.

He encouraged voters to elect leaders who prioritise the needs of communities and support government efforts toward development.