PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS 280 UPDF OFFICER CADETS, CALLS FOR ECONOMIC PROTECTION AND STRONGER SECURITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned 280 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer cadets, calling on them to uphold military discipline, protect Uganda’s productive economy and work with other security agencies to combat crime affecting communities.

Museveni, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, made the remarks on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during the commissioning ceremony for Officer Cadets Intake 09/26 and Bachelor of Defence Studies Intake 05/23/29 at Uganda Military Academy-Kabamba in Mubende District.

The ceremony brought together senior military commanders, government officials, academy instructors and families of the graduates to mark the completion of their training and the beginning of their professional military careers.

Museveni Links Economic Growth to National Defence

Congratulating the graduates, President Museveni described their commissioning as the beginning of a long journey of service, urging them to remain focused on their responsibilities and avoid distractions that could undermine their professional development. He emphasised that national defence depends not only on military strength but also on a productive economy capable of financing the armed forces and sustaining the country’s security requirements.

According to Museveni, Uganda must protect wealth creation in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and information and communication technology (ICT) to strengthen its economic foundation.

He urged military leaders to cooperate with relevant institutions in identifying and addressing threats to economic activity, arguing that a strong economy is essential for maintaining an effective defence system. Museveni also called for stronger action against rural crime, particularly the theft of livestock distributed to farmers through the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM).

He warned that stealing goats and cattle intended to improve household incomes undermines government efforts to reduce poverty and transform communities. The President called on security agencies to ensure that beneficiaries of government programmes can protect their livestock and other productive assets.

UPDF Urged to Strengthen Community Relations

The President identified the relationship between the army and the population as another critical component of national security, urging the newly commissioned officers to maintain discipline and respect the communities they serve. He recalled the importance of public support during Uganda’s liberation struggle, arguing that an army must maintain close relations with the people to fulfil its responsibilities effectively.

Museveni also highlighted continuous training and the development of military capabilities as essential elements of an effective defence system.

He called for greater investment in science and technology, noting that technological disadvantages had historically contributed to Africa’s military challenges.

The President further encouraged African countries to strengthen strategic cooperation and develop capabilities across land, air, maritime and space domains as security requirements continue to evolve.

He also commended the UPDF leadership for efforts to address corruption and improve soldiers’ welfare, including accommodation and pay. Museveni said the government would prioritise the modernisation of military training institutions, with the aim of ensuring that facilities meet high international standards. He also encouraged the newly commissioned officers to safeguard their health, describing physical well-being as important for sustained service and effective leadership.

CDF Raises Concern Over Violent Crime

Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba said the security situation in Uganda and the wider region remained relatively calm, with UPDF peace and stabilisation missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Somalia continuing their work.

However, he expressed concern about reported increases in violent crime in some parts of Uganda, including incidents in which criminals allegedly used machetes and, in some cases, firearms to rob, kill and sexually assault victims.

Gen. Kainerugaba said the incidents had caused concern in affected communities and warned that security agencies would continue coordinating operations to identify, arrest and bring suspected perpetrators before the courts.

He emphasised the importance of protecting the lives and property of Ugandans, pledging continued efforts to restore public confidence in affected areas. The CDF also outlined progress in improving the welfare of military personnel during his tenure, citing developments in remuneration, accommodation, administration, logistics, healthcare and education. He said the UPDF would continue strengthening professional training, acquiring equipment and improving troop welfare, supported by ideological and political education. Addressing the graduates, Gen. Kainerugaba urged them to report to their assigned units and gain practical experience, describing them as an important part of the force’s future leadership.

Defence Minister Calls for Integrity and Professionalism

Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka said the President’s participation in the ceremony reflected the government's attention to national defence, military training and the professional development of the UPDF. He commended the military leadership and training institutions for preparing officers to protect Uganda’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The minister also highlighted regional defence cooperation involving Uganda and neighbouring countries, including Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania, through joint training programmes and professional exchanges. He said such cooperation helps strengthen defence institutions, improve interoperability and build mutual trust among participating countries.

Kiwanuka urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold integrity, discipline and constitutional loyalty, reminding them that leadership requires responsibility and service rather than an emphasis on rank.

He encouraged them to place their mission, the welfare of their soldiers and the interests of Ugandans above personal ambition. Academy Highlights Training and Performance Uganda Military Academy-Kabamba Commandant Brig. Gen. Saad Katemba said the academy combines academic instruction with military preparation to develop leadership skills, professional competence and ideological grounding.

He thanked lecturers and instructors for their contribution to the training programme and said the academy was continuing to improve its infrastructure in line with the President’s guidance. Katemba also recognised the support provided by parents, spouses, relatives and friends throughout the cadets’ training.

He urged the graduates to remain committed to their professional development and resist attempts by individuals or groups to divert them from their responsibilities.

The commissioning involved cadets from different training programmes. The supplied figures indicate that 187 professional cadets began training in February 2026, while the Bachelor of Defence Studies intake started on September 18, 2023.

The latter programme initially enrolled 100 cadets, of whom 14 did not complete the course. Eleven of the newly commissioned officers were female.

Six additional officer cadets trained abroad, including Officer Cadets Ruhamya Kainerugaba and Andrew Bakira, who attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, while four others trained in India.

The ceremony also recognised outstanding performance. Officer Cadet Enos Kugumaho of the Special Forces Command was named overall best performer, while Officer Cadet Gloria Kwakunda, also of the Special Forces Command, was recognised as best in class.

Officer Cadet Derrick Hongoro of the Land Forces received the best-in-field award, while Officer Cadet Shemack Abreziz from Kenya was recognised as best in tactics. The parade was commanded by Lt. Col. John Mugarura.

The commissioning marked a new stage in the officers’ military careers, with national defence, economic protection, professional discipline and public security highlighted as central responsibilities in their service to Uganda.