The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen David Muhoozi has noted that the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) is an army built on the philosophy of being a Peoples’ Force for peace and unity to prevail throughout the country and beyond.
“What brings us to work together is because we are a Peoples’ Force and our survival depends on the fruitful cooperation with the civilian population,” said Gen Muhoozi during the closure of a three months Political Education and Leadership course at the UPDF headquarters in Mbuya.
Gen Muhoozi told the 94 fresh Officer graduates from the Oliver Reginald Tambo School of Leadership (ORTSL) in Kaweweta, to always organize for a good purpose (freedom and liberty).
He further advised them to work towards the maintenance of the purpose amidst the enormous challenges like increased crime rate, youth explosion, cyber crime, unemployment, HIV/AIDS scourge, influx of refugees, and rapid urbanization among others.
“UPDF Political Commissars (PCs), as you go back to your units and formations, rekindle our purpose as a Force that has generated its survival on the maintenance of discipline and submission to the population,” said Gen Muhoozi.
He added that soldiers should understand that they serve UPDF because of conviction although careerists also exist but the latter should be transformed ideologically.
The Chief of Defence Forces further explained that both careerists and those who serve out of conviction are all compatible and not mutually exclusive.
He urged PCs to always explain the purpose and mission of service to all combatants for peace and socio-economic transformation to thrive.
“Continuously remind Officers and Militants where we came from as a Force, where we are and where we want to be,” Gen Muhoozi instructed Political Commissars.
The UPDF Chief Political Commissar, Brig Henry Masiko, commended the UPDF leadership for availing opportunities that enhance ideological transformation within the Force and urged graduands to continue with the spirit of creating ideological awareness across all units and formations
“Ideological development is continuous and requires sustainability. Therefore the spirit of volunteering within our constrained resources and time should be upheld by all citizens,” noted Brig Masiko.
The Commandant of ORTSL-Kaweweta, Col Chris Ogumelaki, congratulated Political Commissars upon their new achievement and cautioned them to make better contributions when they report to their respective units and formations.
Certificates were awarded to the best students and the function was also attended by other UPDF directors and staff.
Best in leadership was Capt Rogers Masaba, best overall Capt Jerome Abura, best in academics was Lt Ibrahim Sekabira and best female student was 2Lt Samari Katusabe.
