President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), on Monday presided over a groundbreaking hybrid pass-out ceremony for 10,007 soldiers at the Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta.
For the first time in UPDF history, the pass-out combined recruits from multiple training centres through a virtual platform, marking a major step forward in military innovation. Soldiers from Kaweweta Military Training School, Airborne Training School, Amilcar Cabral Training Wing (SFC) in Nakasongola, Sera Kasenyi Special Forces Command, Olilim Recruit Training School in Katakwi, Labwordwong Recruit Training School in Agago, Abim Training School, and Ruhengyere SFC Training School in Mbarara all participated in the ceremony.
“I am very happy with this innovation. In the past, we had to move from school to school to pass out the recruits. With this technology, we can unite them virtually in one grand ceremony. This spirit of innovation and transformation is very good for the army,” President Museveni said.
He congratulated the young soldiers on completing their training and thanked their instructors for maintaining high standards. “I want to congratulate the young soldiers for doing a good job, and also thank the instructors. Before this ceremony, I witnessed some exercises that were excellently executed—proof of quality training,” the President added.
President Museveni commended the UPDF leadership, led by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), for instilling a new spirit within the army—one that prioritises professionalism, fights corruption, and strengthens military effectiveness. “An army must be lethal—sharp, not blunt,” he emphasised.
Underscoring the importance of technology and organisation in military success, President Museveni warned that armies that fail to modernise put their nations at risk.
“From ancient times, fighting has involved offence and defence—spears, arrows, shields. These methods evolve. When armies fall behind in technology and organisation, their nations are endangered. That’s what happened to Africa in the past; our chiefs were colonised because they lagged behind,” he said.
He praised the CDF and his team for wisely managing army resources and improving soldier welfare, infrastructure, training, and healthcare. “The CDF and his team are solving the army’s challenges well—this is crucial for a modern force,” President Museveni said.
Addressing the graduates, the President urged them to maintain discipline, stay medically fit, and take care of themselves for their sake, their families, and the country.
“It’s not fair for the army and your families to celebrate you, only for you to later become unfit,” he cautioned.
He also tasked the new soldiers with working closely with intelligence agencies and police to fight acts of vandalism, especially targeting the national electrical infrastructure. “It is your duty to coordinate and eliminate vandalism,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, President Museveni expressed pride in the graduates and their instructors and personally awarded the best-performing students.
In a solemn moment, the soldiers took an oath of allegiance to protect Uganda from all threats and to uphold the spirit of service to their motherland.
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba Hails Historic Occasion
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, congratulated the graduates and praised the significance of the ceremony.
“Your Excellency, today’s event is historic. First, because of the large number of graduates; second, because it is a hybrid function; and third, because it directly involves all stakeholders, showing the importance we attach to this moment,” Gen Muhoozi said.
He thanked the various training institutions for successfully introducing the recruits to the UPDF’s values of patriotism and discipline. “I thank these young Ugandans for making the important decision to selflessly serve their country,” he said.
Gen Muhoozi reminded the graduates that the nine-month basic training was just the beginning of their professional journey and promised continued training and career development. “UPDF must have a national character, and today’s recruits, drawn from all districts and regions, reflect that vision,” he said.
He also highlighted major improvements under President Museveni’s leadership, including better accommodation, clothing, transport, and education for soldiers’ children.
“Your Excellency, these young Ugandans have joined the force at a time when living and working conditions are much better. We want them and their families to be proud of their service,” Gen Muhoozi noted.
However, he issued a stern warning against misuse of military resources: “We will not tolerate wastage or abuse. Every shilling must be accounted for to improve the conditions of our soldiers. Those who engage in selfish diversion of resources will face decisive action,” he declared.
He concluded by thanking President Museveni for his unwavering support and the trainers for preparing the recruits well. “Training combatants ensures Uganda remains secure. UPDF must continue playing its role diligently. History will judge these young soldiers’ decision to serve as the right one,” he said.
Brig Gen Bonny Wolimbwa Commends Recruits’ Transformation
Commandant of the Basic Military Training School–Kaweweta, Brig Gen Bonny Wolimbwa, praised the recruits for their resilience, discipline, and patriotism. “Your Excellency, 36 weeks ago, these recruits arrived as ordinary citizens. Today, we witness their transformation into disciplined warriors ready to defend the nation,” Brig Gen Wolimbwa said.
He acknowledged the challenges the recruits faced during their training but commended their perseverance and growth in teamwork, leadership, and patriotism. “They began unsure of their capabilities but, through hard work and comradeship, overcame challenges and emerged stronger,” he noted.
