The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out officers and militants who completed a one-year Russian Language Course, Intake 01/2025/2026, at the School of Defence Intelligence and Security (SODIS) in Migyera, Nakasongola District.
The course brought together personnel from various UPDF formations and was designed to equip participants with Russian language skills to support their professional development, future assignments and international engagements.
Officiating at the ceremony on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the Joint Staff Political Commissar, Major General Henry Masiko, described the occasion as a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between Uganda and Russia, tracing the ties between the two countries to the anti-colonial liberation struggle of the late 1950s and Uganda’s independence in 1962.
He commended the Russian military experts for supporting the localisation of the language training, which enabled the UPDF to develop the required capability locally rather than sending personnel to Russia.
“What would have taken a year in Russia has been achieved on our own soil,” Maj Gen Masiko said.
He also commended the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) and the instructors for translating the CDF’s intent into innovative and effective training programmes.
“Language is a very timely and necessary capability because of the current UPDF posture and a way of maintaining regional security and stability,” he said.
Maj Gen Masiko urged the gradfficers to safeguard the investment made in their training and remain dependable in service.
“No value can be attached to what you have achieved. Be dependable and be ready for long service,” he said.
The Joint Staff Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) Commander, Maj Gen Wycliffe Keita, congratulated the graduates for their discipline and commitment to the course.
“Teaching a new language requires professional competence, patience and dedication, and the results demonstrated today speak strongly of the quality of training you have received,” Maj Gen Keita said.
He encouraged them to continue reading, speaking, listening and writing in Russian, noting that language proficiency is maintained through regular use.
“The value of the investment made in you will ultimately be measured by your ability to retain this competence, apply it in the service of UPDF and our beloved country,” he said.
The Head of Russian Military Experts in Uganda, Maj Gen Sergei Marchuk, commended the UPDF leadership for supporting the training programme.
He described the graduation as more than the completion of an academic programme, saying it demonstrated the partnership between Uganda and Russia.
“We are not just celebrating your success; we are strengthening ties between Russia and Uganda,” Maj Gen Sergei said.
Representing the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), Brigadier General Nicholas Humble Nyesiga, thanked the Russian and UPDF instructors for successfully conducting the course and said the training formed part of efforts to build capacity within the UPDF.
He urged the graduates to put their newly acquired skills into practice as they return to their respective formations.
The Commandant of SODIS, Colonel Ezra Kukundakwe, said the course was conducted by a Russian instructional team from Russian Federal Military Education Institutions under the supervision of Maj Gen Sergei Marchuk.
He said the training was intended to equip participants with language skills to support their professional development, future assignments and international engagements.
Senior UPDF officers who attended the ceremony included Maj Gen Lucky Kidega, Joint Staff Brigade Group Commander; Brig Gen Fred Mwesigye, Commander 1 Infantry Division; representatives of the service chiefs; and other senior officers.
The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the Uganda Police Force, the Russian delegation and instructors, junior UPDF officers and militants, political and community leaders, and religious leaders.