By Spy Uganda
His Excellency Lt. Gen. President Yoweri Museveni, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), on Friday officiated at the commissioning ceremony of Young Officer Cadets, at the Uganda Military Academy, Kabamba (UMAK), in Mubende district.
The Young Officer Course Intake 04 2019/2020, had a total of 613 Young Officer Trainees who trained at both UMAK (343) and Bihanga Training School (270), while two officer cadets were trained in Kenya and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK.
Twenty (20) Pilot Cadets from UPDF Air Force College were also commissioned.
They were all commissioned to the ranks of Second Lieutenant and Lieutenant respectively.
President Museveni congratulated the newly commissioned officers and cautioned them to observe both military and personal discipline if they are to avoid career stagnation.
He applauded the increased level of literacy in Uganda and promised that government will tarmac roads inside both training schools and construct more dormitories to better the training environment.
The President, however, warned the commissioned Officers against ill habits like promiscuity, alcoholism, smoking and obesity; saying these impact on the soldiers’ general performance.
“You become useful when healthy. Therefore guard against Non-Communicable Diseases,” he remarked.
About the training, President Museveni told the newly commissioned officers that this is the beginning, and urged them to read more and attend more courses.
The Chief of Defence Forces Gen. David Muhoozi, said that “This event is one of the fruits from the strategic guidance of President Museveni that intends to boost other units and formations.”
He added that “I implore all the young officers to remain loyal, serve diligently, maintain their health and discipline so as to preserve a professional force, which is the character of the UPDF.”
Brig. Charles Byaruhanga, the Commandant of UMAK, said that “The trainees were drawn from the UPDF in-service soldiers, majority of who were senior Non Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) commanding field subunits.”
He added that “The six months training equipped trainees with basic military skills and knowledge.” He congratulated trainees upon completing the course and urged them to keep their oath of allegiance through dedication and integrity.
Lt. Juliet Kagoya and 2Lt. Abel Rwakabaka, were the best trainees overall; the most disciplined female trainee was Lt. Victoria Munaaba, while the best in the field was 2Lt, Donald Kanuma, and best in academics was 2Lt. John Kageni. They all received awards in honour of their distinguished performances during training.
Apart from president Museveni, who was chief guest, the ceremony was also attended by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance Hon. Judith Nabakooba, UPDF Joint Chief of Staff Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu, Commander UPDF Air Force. Lt Gen Charles Lutaya, Commander Special Forces Command Maj Gen James Birungi, Division Commanders 1st Div Commands, Members of parliament Local leaders, religious leaders and family members of graduands, among others.
