President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has commissioned 203 officer cadets at the Uganda Military Academy in Kabamba. During the ceremony, Museveni congratulated the newly commissioned cadets, praising them for completing their training and emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline and professionalism in their military careers.
“There are three categories among the cadets: those who completed both the officer cadet training and a degree at Makerere University, those who completed the cadet course without a degree, and professionals such as engineers and doctors who have undergone acclimatization training to integrate into the army,” Museveni explained.
He highlighted the evolution of the UPDF, noting that Uganda’s military had once suffered from illiteracy among its ranks. “We had an army of illiterate people, which was dangerous. Fighting requires knowledge, and that’s why we insisted on recruiting educated individuals. Today, we have an educated army capable of absorbing modern ideas, including the technical requirements for modern warfare,” the President stated.
Museveni also stressed the importance of integrity, cautioning the officers against corruption. He underscored that even in times of low salaries, systems such as army schools, housing provisions, and Wazalendo SACCO were established to support soldiers without resorting to corruption.
“I implore you to maintain your health and stay away from negative habits such as alcoholism and other distractions,” Museveni advised the cadets.
The President further congratulated the military academy for embracing excellence in training, mentioning a master plan aimed at upgrading Kabamba into a center of excellence for military education.
During the event, several outstanding cadets were recognized, including Mr. John Muhenda, a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery graduate, for his exceptional performance throughout the training program. The Commandant of the Academy, Brig. Gen. Wycliff Keita, assured the President of the cadets’ dedication and readiness to serve Uganda with distinction.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officials, including Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, who lauded Kabamba's role in President Museveni's broader vision for Uganda’s military growth.
The event also reflected regional cooperation, with cadets from Rwanda and South Sudan among those commissioned.
