NAKASEKE — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged newly trained Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers to uphold discipline, maintain good health, reject corruption and continuously improve their professional skills as they begin their military careers.
Museveni, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, made the remarks on Thursday while presiding over a hybrid pass-out ceremony for the 18th Intake (2025/2026) of recruits at the UPDF Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District.
A total of 11,948 recruits graduated after completing basic military training, including 1,741 recruits from the Central African Republic (CAR) who trained alongside their Ugandan counterparts at Kaweweta, Ruhengyere and Butyaba training schools.
The training programme began in September 2025 and prepared the recruits for deployment into the UPDF.
Addressing the newly commissioned soldiers, President Museveni said discipline and health are critical foundations for effective military service.
“You now need to look after your discipline and your health because if you do not have good health, you cannot be a good soldier. Maintain discipline, take care of your health, avoid corruption and your future will be very bright. You are only beginning your journey,” Museveni said.
The President congratulated the Ugandan and CAR recruits for completing the demanding military programme, but cautioned them that graduation marked only the beginning of their responsibility to their countries.
He urged them to pursue further professional training, saying modern soldiers must continuously expand their knowledge and skills to remain effective in defending national interests.
Military Training Requires Endurance
Museveni defended the tough nature of military training, saying physical conditioning is essential in preparing soldiers for the realities of combat.
Reflecting on Uganda’s liberation struggle, he recalled that some recruits and their families initially complained about demanding exercises involving crawling through mud, moving through bushes and other strenuous drills.
He said such exercises are necessary because soldiers must be physically and mentally prepared before going to the battlefield.
“You need a lot of physical exercise so that you are in good shape when you go to the battlefield. If you do not sharpen soldiers enough, then you become their enemy and the enemy of the country because they will fail to defend it,” he said.
The President said the UPDF had entered a new phase requiring greater accountability, commitment and hard work.
“This is Kisanja Hakuna Kulala (No More Sleep). We have made many achievements, but we could have achieved even more if some of our people had not become complacent,” he said.
Strong Economy Needed for Strong Defence
Museveni linked national security to economic development, saying a strong military cannot exist without a strong economy.
He identified commercial agriculture, manufacturing, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and services as key sectors driving Uganda’s economic transformation.
“You cannot have a strong army without a strong economy. Anything that undermines the economy also undermines national security,” he said.
The President also said Uganda must continue developing its defence industry and eventually manufacture its own military equipment.
“We shall also have to start producing our own weapons so that we are ready to stand on our own.”
Museveni Commends UPDF Leadership
The President commended the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and UPDF leadership for improving soldiers’ welfare and infrastructure.
He pledged government support to rehabilitate the Katugo–Kaweweta road, which serves the military training school, as well as the Ngoma–Butalangwa–Masindi road.
He also called on Ugandans to elect honest leaders during the forthcoming Local Council I and Women’s Council elections, saying local leaders play an important role in fighting corruption at the community level.
“Elect leaders who will help you fight corruption. You need leaders near you who can help fight corruption. Therefore, elect leaders who are not corrupt,” he said.
Museveni later formally declared the recruits passed into the UPDF. “It is now my honour and pleasure, as President and Commander-in-Chief, to pass out these recruits.”
CDF Muhoozi Congratulates New Soldiers
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba congratulated the recruits, describing joining the military as one of the most patriotic decisions they could make.
He said military service represents a lifelong commitment to defending Uganda and its people.
“The decision to join military service is a lifelong commitment to defending your country. I thank every recruit for making that bold and patriotic decision,” he said.
The CDF commended the training schools for producing soldiers equipped with discipline, military skills and values required for active service.
He assured Ugandans that the country remains peaceful and secure, while praising the UPDF and other security agencies for maintaining stability.
However, he warned against individuals he described as foreign-sponsored elements working against Uganda’s interests. “We shall never allow foreign interests to determine Uganda’s future or demoralise our patriotic forces,” Gen. Muhoozi said.
He highlighted improvements in soldiers’ welfare, including better accommodation, remuneration, military schools and health facilities.
The CDF also paid tribute to UPDF soldiers serving in regional and international missions, including operations in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, praising their bravery and professionalism.
He said Uganda would continue reviewing its regional deployments depending on security requirements and guidance from President Museveni.
Defence Minister Urges Recruits to Serve with Honour
The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, congratulated the recruits, describing the ceremony as a major milestone marking their transition from civilian life into military service.
She urged them to remain committed to patriotism, loyalty and selfless service.
“You leave here today as resilient young men and women who are now prepared to defend Uganda’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she said.
She also congratulated the CAR recruits, saying their participation demonstrated confidence in Uganda’s military training institutions.
Training School Highlights Transformation
The Commandant of the UPDF Basic Military Training School, Brig Gen John Patrick Otongo, said the 43-week programme transformed ordinary young people into disciplined soldiers ready for national service.
He said the recruits endured rigorous physical exercises, military drills and ideological training that built teamwork, leadership and patriotism.
“Their journey has been one of self-doubt, endurance and determination, but it is through those hardships that they have forged the strength required of professional soldiers,” Brig Gen Otongo said.
Outstanding performers were recognised during the ceremony, with Salwa Amanya emerging as the best overall recruit. Other top performers included Tasi Chrispas, Opoka Richard, Nashemeza Michelle and Frank Loko.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, military leaders, local government representatives, families of recruits and other invited guests.