PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS 774 OFFICER CADETS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is also the Commander-In-Chief
of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has today
commissioned 774 officer cadets who successfully completed their one-
year training course at the Basic Military Training School- Kaweweta.
The commissioned officers belong to intake 18 of year 2023/24 and out
of the 774 students, 28 were drawn from Tanzania and Mali.
During the commissioning, President Museveni congratulated the new
officers for successfully completing their training course.
The President explained that the commissioned officers were taken
through a tough course and were exposed to the combined elements of
warfare so that they get a good preliminary exposure about fighting.
“In our training here, we try to expose all the trainees to the realities of
combat. In the past they used to separate phases of training but when
we discussed we decided that at an early stage, the officer should be
exposed to the multidimensional nature of warfare, that is why I hear that
you went to Kalama for a combined arms exercise. That is what I
advised them. I said let them know from the very beginning the wider
combination of arms,” he said.
Gen. Museveni also cautioned the officers to stop regarding the army as
a job but a responsibility to defend a country.
“We started as student movement in the 1960s, then when Idi Amin
came, we became a resistence movement and during that time Mwalimu

Nyerere was supporting us and it was easy to support us because we
didn't ask for a salary,” he noted.
President Museveni also pledged to continue enhancing the welfare of
the army officers in terms of free housing, free education for the children
of the soldiers, health, among others.
Representing the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob
Oboth Oboth, the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Sarah Mateke said
the training is not only geared towards professionalising the UPDF by
equipping young commanders with leadership skills, tactics and
discipline but it also resonates with President Museveni's guidance on
the African strategic security, regional security and cooperation as well
as Pan-Africanism.
“As the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, we are dedicated to this
course. Your Excellency, sir, the composition of the Officer Cadet intake
as it is drawn from the different African countries and the presence of
dignitaries from various nations underscores what you have always
emphasized; that modern security and defence challenges are not
confined by borders, they therefore require a unified response that
transcends national boundaries and fosters international cooperation,”
Hon. Mateke said.
“Joint trainings promote an understanding and approach to international
and cross border security challenges such as terrorism, natural
disasters, cyber threats, among others.”
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba said
the commissioned officers have been groomed so well and they are
future leaders of the army.

“I know how hard you have all worked over the past year and I hope you
are proud of your achievements,” he said.
“This moment marks a significant milestone in your military careers.
Having attended and survived a commissioning course like this 25 years
ago, I think I have an idea of what you have gone through,” he added.
Gen. Muhoozi also reminded the officers that as they step into their
roles, they should remember that leadership is not merely a position but
a profound responsibility which they must fulfill.
He further cautioned the officers against staining their names with evils
of corruption, cowardice and treachery.
The Commandant of Basic Military Training School- Kaweweta, Brig.
Gen. Bonny Geoffrey Wolimbwa said the graduation day marked the end
of a sustained period of intense learning in class and field for intake 18-
2023/24.
He said the officers were equipped with knowledge and new skills which
will serve them well as future military leaders.
“The Officer Cadets before us have been sharpened in their minds and
their bodies strengthened, both of which are needed for the
responsibilities of living in the military.”
The ceremony was also attended by Ministers, fraternal visiting
delegations from Mali and Tanzania, among others.