98 intelligence officers graduate as Uganda strengthens security capacity

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The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) on September 13, 2025, passed out 98 officers from the Officers’ Basic Intelligence Course Intake 20/25 at the School of Defence Intelligence and Security (SODIS) in Migyera, Nakasongola district.

In a statement, the UPDF said the graduation marked a significant boost to the country’s intelligence capabilities.

Presiding over the ceremony on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Sam Okiding urged the graduates to uphold integrity, discipline and faith as the cornerstones of their careers.

“Proverbs 4:23: Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life,” he said, stressing patriotism and love for Uganda in all their endeavours.

Lt Gen. Okiding cautioned the new officers to remain vigilant, understand potential adversaries, and maintain high discipline to guard against bribery and corruption. He thanked the UPDF leadership, led by President and Commander-in-Chief Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for enabling access to military and intelligence courses that enhance national security.

Chief of defence intelligence and security Maj. General Richard Otto congratulated the officers on completing their foundational training, calling it a milestone in their professional journey.

“This achievement is not only a testament to your discipline, resilience, and dedication, but also a mark of distinction for you were chosen from among many, and today you stand privileged and accomplished,” Maj. Gen. Otto said.

He praised the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and External Security Organisation (ESO) for training alongside the UPDF, saying the collaboration fostered stronger ties across agencies.

“This training has offered you a solid foundation; your success in the field will pretty much be determined by your adaptability, ethical awareness, and professional courage to confront those challenges,” he noted, thanking senior defence leaders for their support in developing intelligence professionalism.

Brig. Gen. Wycliffe Keita, Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, commended the class for meeting the highest standards of Uganda’s intelligence community. He reaffirmed the Chief of Defence Forces’ commitment to expanding training opportunities, pointing to ongoing efforts to establish additional training centres at service and division levels to reduce backlogs and build skills.

Colonel James Muhumuza, commandant of SODIS, highlighted the rigour of the programme.

“The conduct of intelligence training is rather challenging; it involves a multifaceted approach combining theoretical instruction with practical application and simulated real-world scenarios to develop skills in intelligence collection, analysis, dissemination, as well as specialised techniques like surveillance,” he explained.

Col Muhumuza said the course began on 5 May 2025 with 101 participants from the UPDF, Uganda Police Force, ISO and ESO, including six women. Ninety-eight successfully graduated, while three did not meet the standards.

The event attracted UPDF generals, senior and junior officers, Nakasongola resident district commissioner Festus Bindeba, senior commissioner of police Charles Asaba, local leaders, church representatives and other dignitaries.