President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has urged newly passed-out soldiers to uphold discipline, safeguard their health, reject corruption and continuously develop their professional skills, describing these values as the foundation of a successful military career and a stronger Uganda.
“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,” he said.
The President made the remarks today 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.
The ceremony, held both physically and virtually, brought together recruits trained at Kaweweta, Ruhengyere and Butyaba training schools.
A total of 11,948 recruits were passed-out, including 1,741 from the Central African Republic (CAR), who completed their training alongside their Ugandan counterparts.
The training programme, which commenced in September 2025, prepared the recruits for service in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.
President Museveni congratulated both the Ugandan recruits and those from the Central African Republic upon successfully completing their basic military training.
“First of all, I want to congratulate the soldiers from the Central African Republic and those from Uganda who have completed this course,” he said.
The President emphasized that discipline alone is not enough, urging the recruits to continually improve themselves through professional military education and specialised courses.
He noted that modern soldiers must constantly expand their knowledge and skills to remain effective in protecting their countries.
President Museveni also defended the rigorous nature of military training, saying physical endurance is essential in preparing soldiers for the realities of combat.
Recalling the liberation struggle, he said many recruits who were unfamiliar with demanding physical exercises complained to their parents after being subjected to crawling through mud, moving through thick bushes and undertaking strenuous drills.
“Some parents would complain, saying in Luganda, ‘Muyisa abaana baffe ng’ebisolo,’ meaning we were treating their children like animals because we made them roll in the mud,” he said.
“But all that is necessary. 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 and they will also die.”
The President reminded the recruits that the UPDF had entered a new phase requiring greater commitment, hard work and accountability.
“As you have been hearing, even Gen. Muhoozi has told you that 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,” President Museveni said.
“Therefore, discipline and accountability will continue to be insisted upon, just as you have heard from the Chief of Defence Forces.”
He stressed that national security is inseparable from economic transformation, noting that no country can sustain a strong military without a strong and modern economy.
President Museveni identified commercial agriculture, manufacturing, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and services as the four 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 added that Uganda must continue modernising its defence capabilities by developing the capacity to manufacture its own weapons.
“We shall also have to start producing our own weapons so that we are ready to stand on our own.”
President Museveni commended the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the UPDF leadership for improving soldiers’ welfare and infrastructure across military establishments.
He acknowledged that the Katugo–Kaweweta road had remained in poor condition for many years and pledged that the government would prioritise its rehabilitation alongside the Ngoma–Butalangwa–Masindi road.
“I congratulate the Chief of Defence Forces and his team on the improvements in soldiers’ welfare and infrastructure. The road from Katugo to this training school has been a challenge for a long time. We shall fix it. We shall also work on the Ngoma–Butalangwa–Masindi road.”
Turning to wananchi, President Museveni called upon Ugandans to elect honest leaders during the forthcoming Local Council I and Women’s Council elections.
He said local leaders play a critical role in combating corruption within communities and should therefore be people of integrity.
“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.”
The President later formally declared the recruits qualified and passed them into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.
“It is now my honour and pleasure, as President and Commander-in-Chief, to pass out these recruits.”
The CDF, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, thanked God for guiding the UPDF through the first half of the year and prayed for continued protection and wisdom during the remainder of 2026.
He expressed gratitude to President Museveni for presiding over the ceremony, describing his presence as a demonstration of his unwavering commitment to the continued growth and professionalisation of the UPDF.
Gen. Muhoozi also welcomed government leaders, ministers, district officials and other invited guests, saying their attendance reflected the importance Uganda attaches to strengthening its defence capabilities.
He congratulated the newly passed-out recruits for making what he described as one of the most patriotic decisions of their lives by choosing military service.
“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.”
The CDF commended the training schools for successfully conducting the programme and producing soldiers equipped with the skills, discipline and values required for active military service.
“It is evident that these young men and women have mastered the required military skills and are now ready to undertake active duty in service of the motherland.”
Gen. Muhoozi congratulated President Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) on what he described as successful electoral victories and thanked the President for his continued leadership.
He also paid tribute to the former Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, for his contribution to improving soldiers’ welfare and supporting reforms in the defence sector, including the enactment of the amended UPDF Act.
“We salute his contribution and are confident that in his new responsibility as Speaker of Parliament, he will continue supporting the Ministry of Defence and the UPDF.”
The CDF expressed optimism that, with the support of the new Parliament, Uganda remained on course to achieve its long-term economic transformation agenda, including its ambition of growing the economy to US$500 billion.
On security, Gen. Muhoozi reassured Ugandans that the country remained peaceful, stable and secure, praising the vigilance and professionalism of the UPDF and other security agencies.
He, however, warned against what he described as foreign-sponsored elements working against Uganda’s national interests.
“We are aware of the negative elements working against our country. We shall never allow foreign interests to determine Uganda’s future or demoralise our patriotic forces. We cannot tolerate poor service delivery, nor shall we tolerate foreign agents operating secretly to undermine our country.”
He reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to defending Uganda’s sovereignty and protecting the gains achieved over the years.
The CDF also highlighted improvements in soldiers’ welfare, including better accommodation, improved remuneration and continued investment in military schools and health facilities.
“We want our fighting men and women to be proud of the conditions under which they serve. Improving welfare remains one of our priorities.”
He urged the newly graduated soldiers to safeguard their health, maintain peak physical fitness and uphold discipline throughout their military careers.
“Protect your lives, maintain your medical and physical fitness, cultivate the warrior spirit and remain disciplined at all times. Those values will enable you to accomplish every mission entrusted to you.”
Gen. Muhoozi paid tribute to UPDF troops serving under regional and international peace support operations in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, commending their bravery, professionalism and sacrifice.
He noted that despite the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, UPDF troops had sustained operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), while the security situation in South Sudan had improved significantly.
He added that Uganda would continue reviewing its regional deployments in line with guidance from President Museveni and prevailing security requirements.
The CDF concluded by thanking President Museveni for his continued strategic guidance, saying it had enabled the UPDF to achieve its operational objectives both within Uganda and across the region.
The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence), Hon. Grace Ngabirano Akifeza, thanked President Museveni for presiding over the ceremony and for his continued commitment to the professionalisation and modernisation of the UPDF.
She described the occasion as a defining milestone in the lives of the recruits, marking their transition from civilian life into military service after months of demanding training.
“This is not an ordinary day. It marks your transformation from civilian life into military life. You leave here today as resilient young men and women who are now prepared to defend Uganda’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Hon. Ngabirano congratulated the recruits for successfully enduring rigorous military drills, harsh terrain and strict discipline throughout the training programme.
She encouraged them to remain committed to the values of patriotism, loyalty and selfless service.
“I congratulate all of you for realising your dream of becoming soldiers. When I was young, I also wished to become a Kadogo, but I never got that opportunity. You have been given that privilege, and I urge you to serve your country with honour and dedication.”
The Minister also congratulated the recruits from the Central African Republic, saying their presence reflected the confidence neighbouring countries continue to place in Uganda’s military training institutions.
She thanked Gen. Muhoozi and the entire UPDF leadership for maintaining focus on the ideological pillars of patriotism, Pan-Africanism and professionalism.
The Commandant of the UPDF Basic Military Training School, Kaweweta, Brig. Gen. John Patrick Otongo, said the pass-out ceremony marked the transformation of ordinary young men and women into disciplined soldiers ready to defend the country.
He said the ceremony celebrated not only the completion of training but also the resilience, sacrifice and commitment demonstrated throughout the 43-week programme.
“We are gathered here not only to mark the completion of a course but to honour the resilience, sacrifice and commitment of these recruits. 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.
He noted that the recruits had been transformed through demanding physical exercises, military drills and ideological orientation.
“With each passing day, they learnt not only to overcome physical challenges but also embraced the values of teamwork, leadership, patriotism and selfless service to the nation. They have demonstrated the character expected of members of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.”
Brig. Gen. Otongo thanked President Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi for their unwavering support in strengthening military training institutions, saying their continued investment had enabled the school to produce disciplined and capable soldiers.
Outstanding performers were also 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.
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