The Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC), Maj Gen Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, has presided over the pass-out ceremony of 214 soldiers who completed the Commando Qualification Course Intake 05/25-26, while officially declaring the commencement of Intake 06.
The ceremony was held at the Special Warfare Centre and School, Camp Rufu, in Ruhengyere, Kiruhura District.
Congratulating the graduands on successfully completing the rigorous training, Maj Gen Mweteise described their achievement as a significant milestone in the development of a modern and professional army.
He underscored the importance of continuous military training, noting that it enhances operational effectiveness and prepares soldiers to respond to evolving security threats.
“Continuous training is an arm that moves an army to make operations simple,” he said.
Maj Gen Mweteise acknowledged the substantial resources required to equip, train and empower SFC personnel, noting that sustained investment in specialised training remains necessary given the changing nature of warfare and emerging security threats.
Addressing the graduands, he described the Commando Qualification Course as a strategic, endurance and capability-building programme that equips soldiers with specialised skills for demanding military assignments.
He challenged them to be prepared to operate in any environment and apply the skills acquired during training in the execution of their duties.
“We have trained warriors to finish the enemies of Uganda within and beyond,” he emphasised.
The SFC Commander further urged the newly qualified commandos to demonstrate professionalism, lead by example in their respective units and strictly observe the military chain of command.
“Strictly respect the chain of command, be dependable and professional, maintain your tactical edge and observe your unyielding commitment to service,” he told the graduands.
He cautioned the soldiers against complacency, emphasising the need for discipline, vigilance and continued professional development.
“The difficult chapter has come to an end and something beautiful is about to begin,” Maj Gen Mweteise said in his closing remarks.
The Commander of the UPDF 2 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, also congratulated the graduates, saying the specialised training had further strengthened the UPDF’s capacity to safeguard Uganda’s interests and protect its people and property.
He commended the President and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for his continued guidance and commitment to the training and modernisation of the armed forces.
“Training is one of the key pillars to advance the forces, and we train to protect our people so that they can work and pay taxes, from where we get funds to equip our forces,” he said.
Maj Gen Muhanguzi also urged the soldiers to preserve the strong relationship between the military and the civilian population, describing public support as essential to the effectiveness of the armed forces.
“There is no force without wanainchi. We recruit from them, serve with them, and when we retire, we go back to live with wanainchi,” he explained.
The Group Commander of 2 Special Forces Group, Col Jimmy Mukuba Kabila, challenged the graduands to uphold a strong sense of duty, teamwork and sacrifice, noting that the training was designed to mould them into disciplined Special Forces operators capable of executing complex missions.
He reminded them that the institution had invested heavily in their training and expected them to translate the acquired skills into effective service.
“The army has invested in you and we expect returns,” he said.
Col Kabila congratulated the 214 soldiers, including 10 female officers, upon successfully completing the course.
The Commandant of the Special Warfare Centre and School, Camp Rufu, Maj Natal Vuraga Kanzo, thanked the UPDF leadership for its continued support towards building a modern, professional and people-centred army.
He urged the graduands to remain resilient under physical and mental pressure, uphold courage and commitment, embrace teamwork and execute their duties with discipline.
Meanwhile, Kiruhura District LC V Chairperson Dan Mukago commended the UPDF for maintaining peace and security in Uganda and beyond, saying the prevailing stability in the district had created an enabling environment for infrastructure and social service development.
He observed that the establishment of Camp Rufu had also contributed to the district’s development through the growth of educational and health facilities in the surrounding communities.
“In fact, Camp Rufu is not only a training school but a development pattern to our district,” he noted.
Mukago encouraged the newly qualified commandos to continue serving Uganda and the international community with loyalty, honour and sacrifice.
During the ceremony, outstanding students were recognised with gifts and certificates for their exemplary performance in various training disciplines.
The event was attended by UPDF Directors of Training, senior and junior military officers, representatives of the Uganda Police Force, instructors from the training school and other invited guests.
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