Museveni calls for economic protection and crackdown on rural crime

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned 280 Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) officer cadets, urging them to remain focused on their military careers and avoid distractions that could derail their service.

The commissioning ceremony for Officer Cadets Intake 09/26 and Bachelor of Defence Studies Intake 05/23/29 took place at the Uganda Military Academy-Kabamba in Mubende district on Tuesday.

Museveni said a strong economy is one of the fundamental pillars of an effective national defence system, arguing that the military must work alongside other institutions to protect the country’s productive sectors. (PPU Photos)

They included 187 professionals who began training in February 2026 and 87 Bachelor of Defence Studies cadets who started their training on September 18, 2023.

The latter class initially enrolled 100 cadets, but 13 did not complete the programme. Eleven of those commissioned are female.

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

Present at the ceremony were Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and his wife, Charlotte.

Lt Col John Mugarura commanded the parade.

Outstanding cadets received awards for their performance before the newly commissioned officers took the oaths of allegiance and secrecy.

Economy and defence

Congratulating the graduates, President Museveni told them they have started a long journey in "a very honourable organisation" that is the UPDF.

"If you do your part and don't get diverted, you will make a good contribution.

Museveni said a strong economy is one of the fundamental pillars of an effective national defence system, arguing that the military must work alongside other institutions to protect the country’s productive sectors.

He called for a firm response to crime in communities, particularly the theft of livestock distributed to farmers under the Parish Development Model (PDM).

He urged security agencies to ensure that farmers can benefit from government programmes without fear of losing their assets

Discipline and technolog

The President stressed that the relationship between the army and the population remains critical to national security, urging officers to maintain discipline and demonstrate respect for the communities they serve.

He identified continuous training and the development of soldiers’ capabilities as another essential pillar of national defence

Museveni also called for greater investment in science and technology, describing technological gaps as a longstanding challenge for Africa.

On regional security, he urged African countries to strengthen strategic coordination and build joint capabilities across land, air, maritime and space domains

He commended the CDF and other commanders for efforts to fight corruption and improve the welfare of soldiers, including better accommodation and pay

He also said the government would also prioritise modernising military training institutions, adding that the facilities should meet high international standards.

Museveni rallied the newly commissioned officers to safeguard their health, drawing on his own experience of maintaining an active life right into his 80s. 

“When I look back and see the things I have gone through in the last 65 years, from the students' movement to the armed resistance against Idi Amin and UPC, you can see that if my health had been compromised earlier, I wouldn't have achieved all that."

CDF warns criminals

In his remarks, CDC Gen. Kainerugaba said the security situation in Uganda and the wider region was relatively calm, with UPDF peace and stabilisation missions in DR Congo, South Sudan and Somalia continuing to make progress.

“However, on the domestic front, we have recently noted an increase in violent crime in some parts of the country, and this has caused a bit of unease in those affected areas,” he said, adding that security agencies were coordinating operations to identify, arrest and bring the perpetrators to justice

“No effort will be spared until the sanctity of the right to life and property is fully restored for all the people in our country.

Kainerugaba credited the President’s leadership with contributing to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and regional peace and stability

He said the welfare of soldiers and officers had continued to improve during his nearly three years as CDF, citing progress in pay, accommodation, administration, logistics, healthcare and education.

He said the UPDF remained committed to strengthening training, acquiring equipment and improving troop welfare, supported by ideological and political education.

The CDF commended instructors across military training institutions for their dedication and congratulated the new officers on their decision to serve the country.

“I urge you to immediately join your assigned units and gain experience. You are now the future of the UPDF."

Professionalism

Defence minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka described the UPDF’s development under the NRM government as one of the key achievements of President Museveni’s leadership. 

He also commended Kainerugaba for efforts to improve troop welfare and combat corruption.

The minister highlighted cooperation with regional partners

“Cooperation through joint training, professional exchanges, and sharing of mutual experience strengthens our defence institutions, enhances interoperability, and builds mutual trust,” he said.

Kiwanuka urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold integrity, discipline and constitutional loyalty, reminding them that leadership is measured by service and responsibility rather than rank.

“Wear your uniform with honour. Lead with integrity and discipline. Remain loyal to the Commander-in-Chief and the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda."

Continued improvement

The training programme at the Uganda Military Academy-Kabamba combines academic instruction with military preparation, emphasising sustainability, ideological grounding and leadership competencies.

Thanking all stakeholders for their input, the academy's commandant, Brig. Gen. Saad Katemba, commended the graduates for their endurance and resilience exhibited during the training.

“Be aware of manipulative interest groups who are envious of your hard-earned competences and may try at any cost to divert you from the strong foundation and the legacy of the institution and national ideology,” he said.

Katemba acknowledged the contribution of spouses, parents, relatives and friends who provided material, spiritual and psychological support to the cadets throughout their training.

He also thanked the residents of Kasambya in Mubende for their cooperation and patience despite the noise associated with military training activities.

Tuesday's ceremony concluded with the recognition of cadets who excelled in different areas of training

Officer Cadet Enos Kugumaho from the Special Forces Command (SFC) was named the overall best performer, while Officer Cadet Gloria Kwakunda, also from SFC, emerged as the best in class.

Officer Cadet Derrick Hongoro from the Land Forces was recognised as the best in the field, while Officer Cadet Shemack Abreziz from Kenya received the award for best in tactics.