PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES NEW UPDF RECRUITS TO UPHOLD DISCIPLINE, GOOD HEALTH AND PATRIOTISM

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 yesterday 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
soldier’s 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
professionalization and modernization 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.