CDF Challenges Cadet Officers on Servant Leadership

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has encouraged Cadet Officers that are soon graduating to persue servant leadership, noting that it is the most suitable kind especially among soldiers.

The CDF, who is also the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, said that human beings are inspired more by actions of their leaders and not just words. 

He highlighted the impactful and transformative nature of servant leadership, pointing out that it encourages putting the needs of others and empowering them to reach their full potential. 

“It is carrying your soldiers, their problems become your problems. If your soldier’s child is sick or the mother is in hospital, you help them,” Gen Kainerugaba, who is credited for his passion for soldiers’ welfare, said.

The CDF made the remarks this afternoon while delivering a lecture of opportunity to cadets at the UPDF Oliver Tambo Leadership School in Kaweweta in Nakaseke District where over 700 officers, including those from neigbouring countries are set to be passed out by the President after completion of their one year of cadet training.

If you don't do this (servant leadership), we have wasted time, the General said, adding that “servant leadership stands out as a beacon of compassion and empathy. You cannot be a leader without these qualities.”

Speaking about the significance of the cadet course, the CDF said without it, one would be building without a foundation. 

Gen Kainerugaba further encouraged the soon-to-graduate cadets to actively listen to their soldiers that they will soon be leading in order to create a culture of trust and collaboration. 

“Those you lead cannot trust you unless you care about their problems,” he cautioned.

He also urged them to be humble and always seek feedback and learn from others since some of the soldiers they will lead have been in the army longer than them.

In his conclusive remarks, the CDF told the officers to stay fit, healthy and keep improving themselves through self-education.