NAKASEKE.President Museveni, also the Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has this afternoon officiated at the commissioning ceremony of 498 Officer Cadets of Intake 19/25 at the UPDF Basic Military Training School, Kaweweta, Nakaseke District.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as well as ambassadors and military delegations from fraternal African countries.
Out of the 498 newly commissioned officers, 100 were from the Central African Republic, 20 from Mali, 40 from Somalia, 10 from the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces, and 328 from the UPDF.
In his address, President Museveni congratulated the officer cadets upon successfully completing their course and joining what he described as “an army of warriors and heroes”.
“I congratulate the newly commissioned officer cadets whom I have just presided over at the UPDF Basic Military Training School, Kaweweta. You are joining an army of warriors and heroes — an army based on the principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, discipline, and professionalism,” the President said.
He commended the cadets for demonstrating endurance and commitment, citing the 177-kilometre Salim Saleh Walk undertaken during their training, retracing the historical route used by the National Resistance Army in 1985 during the successful operation on Masindi Barracks.
“That walk symbolizes commitment, sacrifice, and resilience. You are inheriting the spirit of those who never gave up. Remember, when we were fighting, we never gave up, and that’s the spirit we expect from you,” he said.
President Museveni emphasized the four pillars that guide the UPDF — patriotism, Pan-Africanism, discipline, and professionalism — urging the new officers to embody those values throughout their service.
“You are being commissioned into an army of warriors that stands for love of country, love of Africa, and service to the people with dignity. Be disciplined and physically ready to defend your country,” he said.
The President lauded the collaboration between Uganda and other African countries represented in the training, describing it as proof that Africa has the capacity to manage its own affairs.
He recounted a light moment during his interaction with one of the visiting cadets, saying, “I asked a young officer what she liked most about Uganda, and she told me, ‘akatogo.’ That shows the bonds we are building through cooperation.”
President Museveni also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure within Luweero Triangle and the surrounding areas.
He noted that several roads within the triangle have been tarmacked, and the road from Katugo to Kaweweta is among those earmarked for tarmacking.
On water and electricity, the President said he would look into how water can be pumped from Lake Kyoga to serve the surrounding communities, adding that the flat terrain of Nakaseke would make such a project feasible.
He also noted that electricity already exists at Kaweweta and pledged to explore how it can be extended to neighboring areas.
The President further congratulated the UPDF for their recent successful operations against criminal elements in Kasese.
“I want to congratulate the CDF and the army for crushing the bad elements in Kasese. They were defeated by a small group of soldiers — only 12 — who managed to overpower them. That comes from confidence and solid training,” he said.
President Museveni concluded by congratulating the newly commissioned officers once again, urging them to carry forward the UPDF’s rich legacy of patriotism, sacrifice, and service to the people of Uganda and Africa.
On his part, Gen. Muhoozi congratulated the newly commissioned officer cadets upon completing their training and urged them to uphold discipline, resilience, and professionalism throughout their careers.
He praised the UPDF’s growing role in promoting peace and security across the African continent.
“Your Excellency, we thank you for continually embracing the spirit of oneness and for your sacrifice to make Africa strong. Among the commissioned officers are soldiers from Somalia, Central African Republic, Tanzania, and Mali. This is testimony to UPDF’s continental contribution,” Gen. Muhoozi said.
He also gave an update on the security situation and the ongoing peaceful political campaigns in the country, commending security forces for their vigilance and professionalism.
“The campaigns are progressing well, and we thank the security forces for working around the clock to ensure a peaceful electoral process. We also commend the citizens for respecting the Electoral Commission guidelines,” he said.
He, however, cautioned candidates against provoking security forces, warning that security will not be compromised in the name of politics.
“The security of the country will not be compromised merely because a particular candidate is campaigning. It doesn’t work like that,” he warned.
Gen. Muhoozi further briefed the gathering on a recent attempted attack on security installations in Bundibugyo, Kasese, and Fort Portal on November 1, 2025.
“Confused elements armed mainly with machetes attempted to attack security posts. They were promptly repulsed by the UPDF and Uganda Police. Two attackers were put out of action,” he said.
He thanked the residents of Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Fort Portal for rallying behind security forces during the incident, saying, “As the ancient Romans used to say — those who desire peace must prepare for war.”
The Commandant of Kaweweta Training School, Brig. Gen. Otongo John Patrick, congratulated the 498 officer cadets, including 61 females, upon their successful completion of the course.
He noted that the course not only trained them in military tactics but also in teamwork, resilience, and professionalism, preparing them for modern warfare.
“Today’s event is more than just a commissioning ceremony — it is a demonstration of the quality and professionalism that defines the UPDF. The skills and discipline acquired here will serve these officers well in their service,” Brig. Gen. Otongo said.
He thanked the UPDF leadership, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and the external facilitators who contributed to the training, for their continued guidance and support in professionalizing the forces.