President Museveni Passes Out 11,948 UPDF Recruits

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is also the Commander in Chief of Armed Forces has disclosed that the UPDF’s training protocols are intended to produce sharp and fit soldiers suitable for defending the country.

President Museveni made the remarks today July 9th while presiding of the pass out 11,948 UPDF recruits of the 18th Intake of 2025/26 after 9 months of training whom he tasked on self preservation for their health, discipline, professionalism and anti-corruption.

The graduates are recruits of the with the cohort comprising of over 1,700 trainees from the Central African Republic and this is the first hybrid military pass out ceremony where selected graduates appeared physically at the Basic Military Training School – Kaweweta in Nakaseke District.

Their counterparts undertook the same pass out virtually at their respective five military Training Schools in Ruhengyere in Mbarara District, Butiaba in Buliisa District, Labwodong and Olilim in Katakwi District.

President Museveni reminded graduates of the essence for rigorous training to refund them into competent soldiers with the ability to maneuver all complex situations required of a skilled and training military officer.

President Museveni reaffirmed that the current Kisanja, (term of office) is aligned to discipline and accountability of all government servants as Uganda aims towards the attainment of a strong and modern economy and warned against slumberness among leaders as he guided them to advance government’s theme of ‘Kisanja no more corruption’. 

President Museveni announced that Uganda is moving to start domestic production of its own weapons to counter foreign dependence and commended the Chief of Defense Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for aiding infrastructural developments and improvement of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces.

The President confirmed plans to tarmac  Katuugo – Kinyogoga – Kaweweta road that spans approximately 50 kilometers to Kaweweta Basic Military Training School in Nakaseke District and said that the move is part of the ongoing broad road construction projects including Butalangu – Ngoma road and the planned Butalangu – Masindi road.

The President reminded Ugandans to turnout in huge numbers for the forthcoming Local Council 1 and 2 elections and vote for non corrupt leaders to ensure that government programs are implemented accordingly. 

The Chief of Defense Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba charged the UPDF recruits to be bold in defense of the nation the and noted that UPDF is continuously strengthening its capacity and might to defend Uganda’s Independence against all threats.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba reassured Ugandans of prevailing peace and stability and congratulated President Museveni upon his peaceful re-election, inauguration and composition of government to steer the country forward.

The Chief of Defense Forces pledged to aid the UPDF efforts in complementing  government strides to attain the economic transformation targets of building a US 500 billion dollar economy.

He also commended the Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth for his contribution to the transformation of the UPDF during his tenure as Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs when led the enactment of the UPDF Act and similar endeavors.

The Chief of Defense Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has countered neocolonialism enablers in uganda in politics and media spaces and vowed to not to allow agents of foreigners to suppress Uganda’s democratic gains as he warned against corruption and subversive behavior.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba called for responsible conduct of political and media actors to protect Uganda’s sovereignty and development gains and outlined major strategic interventions to improve the UPDF’s effeciecy through enhanced remuneration for officers, improve accomodation, operations and military school facilities.

Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba revealed that the UPDF High Command is yet to convene to address contentious issues for UPDF forces on foreign mission in Somailia as the force continues to its external peace restoration operations in South Sudan, Easter Democratic Republic of Congo against the Allied Democratic Forces – ADF among others and tasked UPDF recruits on preservation of their health, Displine and fitness.

While speaking at the same event, the Minister of State for Defense and Veterans Affairs in charge of Defense Hon Grace Ngabirano Akifeza reminded UPDF graduates of their cardinal role to safeguard Uganda skillfully with displine and professionalism and applauded the Centeral African Republic for opting to jointly train their forces in Uganda, a move she definited as proof of African solidarity.

The Commandant of The Basic Military Training School – Kaweweta Brig Gen Patrick Otong reminded the newly UPDF recruits of the Forces’ ideals that they are tasked to uphold and commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his rentless guidance towerds training and strengthening of the national Army, the mighty UPDF as highlighted on the training of the new recruits and their competencies.

The Chief Instructor at the Basic Military Training School – Kaweweta Colonel Joseph Okello listed the five best graduates in order of their performance and were accordingly rewarded.

The function was attended by Luwero Diocesan Bishop Rt Rev Wilson Kisekka who led prayers and applauded the Uganda People’s Defense Forces’ leadership for maintaining high level of professionalism and discipline among forces.