Army chief Muhoozi advocates comprehensive training for all soldiers

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Uganda Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba says the army must focus on ensuring that all soldiers have an opportunity to undergo the requisite courses.

Gen. Muhoozi says this is aimed at achieving excellence in their training programmes as provided under the UPDF establishment.

Joint staff training and doctrine (JS TRADOC) commander Brig. Wycliffe Keita delivered Muhoozi's message during a pass-out at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) at Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja city on July 10, 2025.

The joint training of soldiers from the Central African Republic (CAR) and Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) involved two courses of senior non-commissioned officers and the instructors level III of intake 21 and 8 of 2025, respectively.

Therefore, Keita said the JS TRADOC must support the UPDF’s strategic vision to achieve its goal.

He hailed the CDF for providing what he termed as ‘strategic leadership in training’, revealing that with his guidance, this began with them in training institutions and training professionals to have the capacity to deliver on their mandate.

Of the 515 students, outgoing chief instructor Maj. Hassan Abbas Matovu said 78 were from CAR, of which eight were females.

Matovu said the students underwent a five-month exercise, with CAR being the first time to train with them after Equatorial Guinea.

Keita said the joint training was a testament to the strong strategic partnership between Uganda and CAR as it would greatly contribute to the regional stability and security.

“I am pleased to note that quite a sizeable number from CAR completed these courses. I urge you to carry the lessons learnt back to your army and apply them to enhance the effectiveness of the CAR armed forces,” he noted.

Keita, who represented the deputy commander of Land Forces, Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa, said the various demonstrations showcased by the graduands proved their capability to take on new leadership roles within their respective forces.

He commended Matovu’s dedication to excellence and for ensuring the success of the training was indomitable.

He said it was the NCOs who form the backbone of leadership in any army, with the key responsibility of taking care of the soldiers whom they would be entrusted to lead.

Some of the graduands demonstrating a target in the chest during the pass out at NCOA in Jinja on Thursday. (Photo by Jackie Nambogga)

Enhancing leadership skills

Meanwhile, NCOA commandant Brig. Michael Ssozi Ssesanga said the senior non-commissioned officers course was designed to enhance the students’ leadership, decision making and management capabilities.

He said these were prepared to meet the demands of higher responsibilities within the force.

Therefore, he expected them to lead with integrity and purpose by applying the skills acquired to inspire and guide those who would be put under their command.

Ssesanga added that the instructors were holding a very pivotal role in the development of their army’s human resource capacity building.

As trainers and mentors, they were entrusted with the critical task of imparting knowledge and shaping the future of the force.

“Your effectiveness as instructors will directly influence the competence and readiness of our soldiers, and I urge you to lead by example and approach this role with passion, patience and commitment to excellence,” he urged.

To all the graduands, Ssesanga reminded them that leadership was not merely about authority but service, accountability and setting the standards for others to follow.

Also, he urged them to always strive and uphold the core values of the UPDF in whatever they would be doing.

According to Ssesanga, a true measure of the training was not about completing the course but how they would be applying what they had learnt.

“The army relies on each one of you to lead with courage, uphold discipline and embed the values that define us as a professional and respected army,” he emphasised.

To the allied graduands, Ssesanga urged them to be Uganda’s ambassadors and also take what they had learnt to equip them with their capability and become a good part of the CAR’s force.

“Go home and work hard to build your army and move your country forward,” he urged.

However, he challenged them to remain committed to continuous learning and improvement, as these courses were a stepping stone to further their careers.

He explained that the challenges faced by armies were always changing, saying it was through adaptability and preparedness that they would continue to succeed, and therefore, they needed to serve with honour, pride and unwavering dedication.

Community support lauded

During the event, Keita commended the Jinja community for their support and tolerance during the soldiers’ field training sessions.

“I was once a student in this academy as a cadet officer, and I understand the importance of the community support in our trainings, their understanding and cooperation are invaluable to the trainees and trainers and the UPDF,” he said.

He urged them to continue supporting the UPDF, especially the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni for proving what he termed as stable and consequential leadership to Uganda.

Under his unmatched leadership, Keita said the UPDF had scored beyond anyone’s imagination and therefore, they needed to work together to take the force and Uganda forward by continuing to contribute to the peace and stability of the entire region.

UPDF’s Cop. Gideon Niwagaba scooped the overall best award of the Senior NCO course while Sgt. Silver Boka Rawade Molotouala was the best allied officer and Pt. Dorcus Were took the instructor's prize.