Technology and innovation key to Uganda’s defence—Museveni

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President Yoweri Museveni has praised the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for embracing technology and innovation, as he presided over the first-ever hybrid pass-out ceremony at Kaweweta Basic Military Training School.

The event held on Monday, April 28, saw 10,007 recruits from various training centres across Uganda officially join the force, with graduates attending both physically and virtually. Recruits from Kaweweta, the Airborne Training School, Amilcar Cabral Wing (SFC) in Nakasongola, Sera Kasenyi Special Forces Command, Olilim, Labwordwong, Abim, and Ruhengyere SFC Training School took part.

"I am very happy with this innovation," President Museveni said. "In the past, we would move from one school to another to pass out recruits. But with this technology, we can gather them virtually in one ceremony. This spirit of innovation and transformation is very good for the army."

The President applauded the new soldiers and their instructors, noting that demonstrations prior to the ceremony showed a high level of competence. "I want to congratulate the young soldiers for doing a good job. I also thank the instructors. Before we came here, I witnessed some exercises which were excellently executed. That showed that the training has been good," he said.

President Museveni commended the UPDF leadership for fostering a culture of professionalism and accountability within the ranks. "I want to thank the CDF and the commanders for bringing a new spirit into the UPDF of fighting corruption and emphasising professionalism. An army must be lethal—sharp, not blunt," he stressed.

Reflecting on Africa’s colonial past, he warned that any military force that lags in technology, organisation, and fighting skills jeopardises its nation's future. "Fighting is about two things: offence and defence. From ancient times, we had the spear, the arrow, and the shield. These methods are constantly evolving. When the army lags in technology, fighting skills, and organisation, the country is in danger. That’s what happened to Africa in the past," he said.

Museveni commended the UPDF leadership for prioritising welfare, training, infrastructure, and healthcare, describing it as vital for the modernisation of the force. He urged the new soldiers to maintain good health and discipline, warning them against becoming unfit after earning the nation’s trust. "You must look after yourselves and stay medically fit. It’s fair for you, for the army, and for your families," he advised.

Turning to internal security, President Museveni called on the soldiers to work closely with intelligence agencies and police to stamp out vandalism, particularly the theft of electrical infrastructure. "It is your duty to sit, coordinate, and eradicate vandalism," he said.

At the ceremony, outstanding recruits received awards for excellence, while all graduates took an oath of allegiance to protect Uganda from external and internal threats.

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, hailed the ceremony as historic, given the scale and its hybrid nature. "Your Excellency, today's inauguration is not an ordinary one. First, it has attracted a large number of attendees. Secondly, it is a hybrid function with slightly over a third of participants physically present here. Thirdly, the direct participation of all stakeholders highlights the importance we attach to this occasion," he said.

Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, hailed the ceremony as historic, given the scale and its hybrid nature. (PPU)

One of the soldiers displaying his target shooting skill. (PPU)

Gen. Muhoozi praised the graduates for their patriotism and discipline, noting that their nine-month course was only the beginning of a lifelong military journey. "These men and women, drawn from all districts and regions of Uganda as envisioned by the Constitution, have undergone thorough training. UPDF must have a national character, and today’s recruits represent that vision," he said.

Soldiers during a shooting session. (PPU)

Highlighting improvements in soldiers' welfare under Museveni’s leadership, he said the UPDF now offers better accommodation, clothing, education support, and logistics. However, he issued a stern warning against corruption. "We will no longer tolerate wastage and abuse of our scarce resources that should instead improve the operating conditions of our brave soldiers," Gen. Muhoozi said, pledging strict accountability across the force.

He closed by encouraging the new recruits to remain steadfast in their commitment to Uganda’s peace and security, saying history would judge their decision to serve as the right one.

Brig. Gen. Bonny Wolimbwa, Commandant of Kaweweta, also praised the graduates for their resilience and patriotism, describing their transformation over the nine-month training as remarkable. "Your Excellency, 36 weeks ago, these recruits reported here as ordinary citizens. Today, we are witnessing their transformation into disciplined warriors," he said.

Reflecting on the hardships faced during training, Brig. Gen. Wolimbwa noted the importance of comradeship and perseverance in moulding the soldiers into a united force ready to serve the nation.