UPDF honours Mwalimu Nyerere, Lt. Gen. Nalweyiso
The recognition came during the hybrid pass-out ceremony for the 18th Intake (2025/2026) of recruits at the UPDF Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
President Yoweri Museveni poses for a photo with recruit Tarsi Chrispus, who received the Chief of Defence Forces award after emerging as the best student in the field. This was during their pass out the UPDF Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District. (PPH photo)
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Former Tanzanian President Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere and the Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security Matters, Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso, have been honoured for their contribution to Uganda's 1981–1986 liberation struggle that ushered the National Resistance Army/Movement (NRA/M) into power.
The recognition came during the hybrid pass-out ceremony for the 18th Intake (2025/2026) of recruits at the UPDF Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
The ceremony was presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF). Held both physically and virtually, the events brought together recruits trained at the Kaweweta, Ruhengyere and Butyaba military training schools.
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba presents the Order of the Commander in Chief award to the best overall student recruit, Amanya Sarah, during the passout at Kaweweta on Thursday. (PPU Photo)
A total of 11,948 recruits completed their basic military training, including 1,741 recruits from the Central African Republic (CAR), who trained alongside their Ugandan counterparts.
Amanya Salwa emerged as the best overall recruit, while Tasi Chrispas, Opoka Richard, Nashemeza Michelle and Frank Loko were also honoured for excellence in their respective categories.
The awards were named after distinguished leaders whose service has significantly contributed to Uganda's security, military development and regional liberation efforts.
They included President Museveni, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso.
President Museveni has on several occasions paid tribute to Mwalimu Nyerere for his unwavering support to Uganda's liberation movements and his pivotal role in promoting regional peace and stability.
Likewise, Lt. Gen. Nalweyiso is widely recognised for her pioneering and strategic role during the NRA bush war. She is celebrated as East Africa's first female star general and remains the highest-ranking female officer in the UPDF.
Presenting the outstanding recruits, the Chief Instructor of the UPDF Basic Military Training School–Kaweweta, Col. Joseph Okello, said the awards were intended to honour exemplary performance while preserving the legacy of distinguished leaders.
CDF Gen Muhoozi presents the Order of the Queen Award to recruit Opoka Richard, who emerged best academic student during the pass-out at Kaweweta on Thursday. (PPU Photo) pass-out ceremony
“Your Excellency, Sir, I am here to present to you the five recruits who excelled in various fields during the training. These awards are named after distinguished leaders and guests from Uganda and East Africa whose contributions continue to inspire excellence,” Col. Okello said.
Award Winners:
Order of the Commander-in-Chief Award (Best Overall Recruit): Amanya Salwa
Chief of Defence Forces Award (Best Field Performance): Tasi Chrispas
Order of the Queen Award (Best Academic Performance): Opoka Richard
Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso Award (Best Female Recruit): Nashemeza Michelle
Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Award (Best Allied Recruit): Frank Loko