A total of 49 Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers were among the 13,221 graduands at Makerere University last week.
They were awarded Bachelors upon completion of Defence Studies (BDSK) from Uganda Military Academy (UMA) – Kabamba, an affiliate of Makerere University (MAK).
Speaking at a luncheon hosted for the officers at Ndere Centre in Kisasi, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Wilson Mbadi, the Chief Political Commissar Maj Gen Henry Masiko commended the President and Commander in Chief of the UPDF, H.E. Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for spearheading the path of the forces’ professionalism.
He said continous training and improvement of welfare creates a standard army.
“Creating a standard and professional army is a big milestone in Uganda,” he said.
He urged graduates to apply the acquired knowledge and skills at their units and formations.
“Go to the field and command others and don’t seat in offices,” he emphasized.
Maj Gen Masiko further advised graduates of the first intake, to desist from all behaviour that derail performance.
The Chief of Personnel and Administration, Brig Gen Eugene Ssebugwawo, noted that the graduates were initially carefully selected basing on age, performance and discipline, among others.
He called upon the fresh graduates to maintain discipline, noting that indisciplined soldiers can not be considered for courses.
Col Tumuranzye who represented the Chief of Training and Recruitment, Brig Gen Mathew Gureme, remarked that UMA trains character, adding that graduates have been shaped into better soldiers.
The Dean of the MAK Faculty of Social Science Dean, Mr. Justus Twesigye, thanked UPDF for collaborating with the university to widen the scope of social sciences. He said embracing social sciences builds a stronger pro-people army.
Maj Charles Ainomugisha, who spoke on behalf of the graduates lauded UPDF leadership for enhancing their career development.
The luncheon was also attended by the Chief of Staff Air Force, Brig Gen Gonyi, Brig Gen Fred Twinamatsiko, Dr. Enos Rwashama, and parents of the graduates among other invited guests.
