The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has urged cadet officers soon graduating to pursue servant leadership.

According to Gen. Kainerugaba, effective leaders strive to serve others rather than accrue power or take control.

This philosophy, he added, is the most suitable for the armed forces.

The CDF made the remarks Thursday as he delivered a lecture of opportunity at the UPDF Oliver Tambo Leadership School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District.

Lectures of opportunities, (popular engagement in the armed forces) offer discussions that stimulate focused research and foster dialogue, resulting in enhanced understanding and continued productive research and analysis.

At Kaweweta the CDF, who is also the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, observed that human beings are inspired more by the actions of their leaders and not just words.

He was addressing over 700 cadet officers including those from neighbouring countries scheduled to complete their one-year training.

A press release from his office indicates that he highlighted the impactful and transformative nature of servant leadership, pointing out that it encourages putting the needs of others first and empowering them to reach their full potential.

He cited different scenarios which affect efficiency.

 “If your soldier’s child is sick or the mother is in hospital, you help them. This is your problem too," said Gen Kainerugaba, while emphasising the need to value each other.

"If you don't do this (servant leadership), we have wasted time. Servant leadership stands out as a beacon of compassion and empathy. You cannot be a leader without these qualities.” he added.

Emphasising the significance of the cadet course, the CDF said without it, one would be building without a foundation.

Gen Kainerugaba further encouraged the soon-to-graduate cadets to actively listen to their soldiers in order to create a culture of trust and collaboration.

“Those you lead cannot trust you unless you care about their problems,” he cautioned. He also urged them to be humble and always seek feedback and learn from others since some of the soldiers they will lead have been in the army longer than them.

In his conclusive remarks, the CDF re-echoed the need for the officers to stay fit and healthy.

He also emphasised the need for skills enhancement through self-education.