KAWEWETA, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni commended Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Sunday for instilling a new era of integrity and professionalism within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), citing the commander’s firm stance against corruption as crucial to building a modern, effective army.
Speaking at the hybrid graduation of 10,007 newly trained soldiers at the Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, President Museveni hailed Gen.1 Muhoozi’s leadership as transformative and timely. The event, a first of its kind, connected recruits from eight military training centers virtually, showcasing technological advancements in UPDF operations.
“I want to thank the CDF and the commanders for bringing a new spirit into the UPDF of fighting corruption and emphasizing professionalism,” President Museveni stated. “An army must be lethal, sharp, not blunt.”
The President’s remarks underscored the growing emphasis on accountability and transparency in state institutions. He stressed that integrity strengthens the army’s operational effectiveness and credibility, particularly in modern warfare, where technology and moral clarity are paramount.
“The CDF and his team are solving the army’s problems well, focusing on welfare, infrastructure, training, and health. This is very important for a modern force,” he said.
President Museveni urged the new recruits to embody discipline and service, emphasizing physical fitness and moral integrity throughout their careers. “You must look after yourselves and stay medically fit. It’s not fair for the army to trust you, and your families to celebrate you, only for you to become unfit later,” he cautioned.
He also tasked the new soldiers with combating vandalism, specifically the theft of electrical infrastructure, which he described as national sabotage.2 “You must coordinate with intelligence and police to stop these acts. It is your duty,” he emphasized.
Gen. Muhoozi reiterated his commitment to accountability and the elimination of resource misuse. He declared a zero-tolerance policy toward wastage and abuse. “It is abhorrent and sacrilegious for any commander or officer to misuse or divert resources for selfish gain.3 We shall not hesitate to take decisive action against those who do not heed this call,” Gen. Muhoozi said.
He characterized the hybrid graduation as historic, not only in its scale and innovation but also in its representation of a new chapter for the UPDF, grounded in national character, professionalism, and anti-corruption ideals. “These men and women, drawn from all districts and regions of Uganda, have undergone thorough training. UPDF must have a national character, and today’s recruits represent that vision,” he said.
Gen. Muhoozi assured the new soldiers of continued training and support, citing recent improvements in housing, transport, clothing, and education under President Museveni’s leadership. “These young Ugandans could not have joined at a better time,” he noted.
Brig. Gen. Bonny Wolimbwa, Commandant of the Kaweweta school, praised the recruits for their resilience and transformation.4 “Thirty-six weeks ago, they arrived as ordinary citizens. Today, they graduate as disciplined warriors,” he said.5
As the recruits swore their oath of allegiance to defend Uganda, the ceremony symbolized not only a personal milestone but also a reaffirmation of the UPDF’s evolving identity, built on discipline, service, and an uncompromising stance against corruption.6 The hybrid nature of the event, connecting multiple training centers in real-time, underscored the UPDF’s move towards modernizing its training and operational methods.7 This advancement also highlighted the military’s commitment to utilizing technology to enhance efficiency and reach, a critical aspect of contemporary military strategy.
The emphasis on anti-corruption measures during the graduation comes at a time when public scrutiny of government spending and accountability has intensified. Gen. Muhoozi’s strong stance reflects a broader effort within the UPDF to maintain public trust and ensure that resources are used effectively to strengthen national defense.
President Museveni’s directive to the new soldiers to actively participate in combating vandalism of electrical infrastructure highlights the military’s expanding role in addressing national security threats beyond traditional warfare. This focus on protecting critical infrastructure underscores the understanding that economic stability is intrinsically linked to national security.
The graduation ceremony, therefore, served as a platform to not only celebrate the completion of the recruits’ basic training but also to reinforce the UPDF’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and its evolving role in safeguarding Uganda’s security and development.8
