NAKASEKE.
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces has graduated 319 participants from its Post-Cadet Ideological Orientation Course at the Oliver Reginald Tambo Leadership School and Pan-African Centre of Excellence in Kaweweta , Nakaseke District .
The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces.
In his remarks, Maj Gen Masiko commended the UPDF leadership for prioritising political and ideological education within the force, describing it as a cornerstone for building a disciplined and mission-focused military.
Masiko urged the newly graduated officers to embrace their roles as effective and impactful commanders, underscoring that military leadership is inherently political and demands clarity of purpose and exemplary conduct.
“Your field of command must reflect political clarity and discipline. Strive to make your unit number one through example and purpose,” he said.
Masiko further cautioned the officers to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, warning that complacency, misconduct and self-serving leadership have no place within the ranks of the UPDF.
“Work out of conviction, not convenience. If you still harbour ambitions of dubious leadership, it is better to step aside,” he said.
The School Commandant, Brig Gen Justus Rukundo, congratulated the officers upon completing the course and encouraged them to serve as change agents at their respective levels of command.
He noted that the participants had successfully achieved the course objectives, particularly in strengthening leadership capacity and ideological grounding.
Rukundo also expressed appreciation to President Yoweri Museveni for pledging Shs 4 billion towards the development of the school’s infrastructure.
He described the support as a significant boost to the institution’s mission of nurturing transformative leaders grounded in Pan-African values.
Speaking on behalf of the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Col Joseph Elanu Okello highlighted the strategic importance of the course, noting that the knowledge and skills acquired serve as vital leadership tools.
He said the programme has historically played a critical role in transforming officers and enhancing the UPDF’s operational effectiveness.
The Post-Cadet Ideological Orientation Course is designed to deepen officers’ understanding of national ideology, civil-military relations and leadership ethics, equipping them to better serve the force and the country.
The ceremony was attended by instructors, senior and junior officers, marking another milestone in the UPDF’s continued commitment to professional development and ideological training within its ranks.