The Joint Staff – Political Commissariat, Major General Henry Masiko, has underscored the importance of ideological consciousness in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), stating that the latter is a military of ideological clarity.

Maj Gen Masiko made the remarks while presiding over the pass-out of 195 Non-Commissioned Officers who completed a three-month Basic Cadre Development Course at the Oliver Reginald Tambo Leadership School, Kaweweta, Nakaseke District, according to a statement posted on the ministry website.

He reminded them that the UPDF is a force for the people, which sets it apart, adding that its doctrine is to protect and defend the people and their property.

He commended the Commandant of the Oliver Reginald Tambo Leadership School and his entire administration for ensuring that the school takes a central role in providing the much-needed ideological education essential for the survival of the UPDF.

The Commandant of the Oliver Reginald Tambo Leadership School, Colonel Justus Rukundo, advised the NCOs always to be part of the solution and never part of the problem. 

He told them that this was just the beginning and that they should seek more knowledge and practice what they had learnt.

The course, composed of 31 females and 164 males, aimed to transform the trainees into politically conscious and ideologically sound characters.

Senior and Junior Officers were present at the pass-out ceremony.