President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured citizens that Uganda remains safe, despite the recent incidents in Somalia and Kasese. “No one should worry about the nation’s security. Anyone who disrupts Uganda will face severe consequences,” the Commander-in-Chief stated.
On June 29, 2023, President Museveni addressed over 9,690 Local Defence Personnel (LDPs) who had just completed their training at Kaweweta Recruits Training School in Nakaseke District. The President emphasized that the new recruits were joining a prestigious and heroic institution, noting their significant contributions in Uganda and other parts of Africa. He urged the recruits to maintain discipline in both their personal lives and work, and to avoid corruption, which can be dangerous and lethal.
President Museveni highlighted that the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) benefits from the National Resistance Movement’s efforts to provide education. Referring to Galatians 6:7, he said, “What a man sows, he shall also reap.” The President explained that educated individuals make excellent soldiers because modern warfare requires a solid understanding of science, and educated people can learn quickly.
Out of the 9,690 LDPs who graduated, 5,000 possess the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education or higher, with five individuals holding Master’s Degrees. President Museveni encouraged the UPDF leadership to prioritize infrastructure development in training schools, transforming them into centers of excellence and ensuring the best training conditions for soldiers.
General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Chief of Defence Forces, stated that the recruitment of the newly graduated recruits aligns with the UPDF’s goal of building a modern, professional, and efficient force capable of securing Uganda. He added that the UPDF will continue to review its training curriculum under the President’s guidance to enhance soldiers’ capacities and promote continuous improvement.
General Mbadi reminded the recruits of the UPDF’s core values, emphasizing conscious discipline and adherence to the UPDF code of conduct. He said, “The UPDF’s discipline is based on this code of conduct, which ensures a positive relationship with our strategic partners (wanainchi) and avoids actions that could tarnish the UPDF’s reputation.”
Brigadier General Bonny Wolimbwa, Commandant of Kaweweta Recruits Training School, declared that the recruits had successfully completed their training and were ready to serve in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces. He commended their demonstrations of acquired skills and urged them to be good ambassadors and work collaboratively.
Among the graduates were rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, with top performers in various categories receiving recognition.
Distinguished attendees at the graduation ceremony included the Minister of State for Defence (Defence), Hon. Jacob Oboth, Minister of State for Tourism Hon. Martin Bahinduka Mugarra, Members of Parliament, Commander Land Force Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, UPDF Generals and Senior Officers, Senior Officials from UWA, and local area leaders.
