UPDF Passes out 194 Company Commanders in Bihanga

A total of 194 Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officers, including 22 female officers, have passed out from the Company Commanders’ Course Intake 28/26 at the School of Infantry in Bihanga.

The Commander of the 2 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, who represented the Deputy Commander Land Force, presided over the pass-out ceremony.

Maj Gen Muhanguzi urged the officers to use the knowledge and skills acquired during the course to strengthen leadership in their units.

He said the Company Commanders’ Course is the backbone of tactical leadership in the UPDF, where operational plans turn into mission execution.

“The knowledge gained here should improve operational effectiveness in your formations. Continue learning, remain disciplined, and uphold the core values of the UPDF, including discipline, loyalty, integrity, patriotism, and professionalism. Be worthy ambassadors of the School of Infantry and the UPDF,” he said.

He said current security challenges require commanders who can adapt, innovate, and respond to changing threats.

Maj Gen Muhanguzi reminded the officers that command carries great responsibility for the welfare, training, discipline, and combat readiness of soldiers under their leadership.

“Leadership in the military is measured not by rank alone, but by the ability to inspire, guide, and make sound decisions under pressure, especially in modern warfare. The UPDF expects you to become commanders who lead by example, uphold discipline, and safeguard the values of our institution,” he said.

He said the officers’ achievement showed resilience and commitment to serving the UPDF with competence. He added that the quality of training reflects the force’s commitment to developing capable officers.

Maj Gen Muhanguzi also commended the School of Infantry leadership and instructors for producing commanders who contribute to national and regional security.

The Commandant of the School of Infantry, Brig Gen Godfrey Golooba, congratulated the graduates on their resilience, commitment, and perseverance during the training.

He said the Company Commanders’ Course remains one of the UPDF’s key professional military education programmes. He said it prepares officers for greater command responsibilities.

“This course was deliberately structured to broaden your understanding of command, leadership, and troop management. Command demands competence, integrity, and the ability to make timely decisions under difficult circumstances,” Brig Gen Golooba said.

He urged the officers to remain professional, act with integrity, and focus on mission success as they apply the lessons learned in future assignments.

Brig Gen Golooba also thanked the chief guest, instructors, support staff, and stakeholders whose contributions helped the officers complete the course.

The Chief Instructor, Lt Col Nyero Kitara, said the trainees received theory and practical lessons in several command-related disciplines aimed at producing effective company commanders.

He said the officers were assessed through classroom instruction, operational planning exercises, leadership tasks, and field practicals.

“The officers demonstrated commitment, endurance, and a willingness to learn. They have been prepared to understand the demands of command and execute their responsibilities with confidence,” Lt Col Kitara said.

Lt Col Kitara said the pass-out marks the start, not the end, of professional growth.

“As commanders, you will influence the morale, discipline, and operational performance of the soldiers under your command. The professionalism you exhibit will determine the effectiveness of your units,” he said.

The best-performing officers were Lt Vincent Lugoloobi, Best Overall Student; Lt Norman Muhwezi, Best in Field Exercises; Lt Ham Opirisi, Best in Class; Maj Daudi Muhammad Komando, Best in Administration and Leadership; and Lt Aminah Namwano, Best Female Student.

Senior military officers, civil authorities, local leaders from Ibanda and neighbouring districts, relatives of the graduates, and other invited guests attended the ceremony.