MPs ask Makerere students to join UPDF

Mar 23, 2019

Female students were also told to tap into the vast opportunities that the UPDF offers to women

Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) lawmakers have rallied Makerere University students to join the army, saying that nurturing a military career is the "greatest way" to serve the country.

In their address to Makerere University students during the career fair conference at the university's main hall on March 21, the two Army MPs, Brig. Felix Kulayige and Brig. Silvia Byekwaso, said joining UPDF should not be a last resort matter.

"UPDF today is professional, efficient and dependable, while joining ensure that you know what you are joining and for what reason, unlike me who joined because of anger derived from actions of the past Armies, Ugandans today compete to join since the Army has become exemplary," Kulayigye, imploring students and other Ugandans to join the Army out of conviction.

Kulayigye added that the military enjoys a special place in Uganda's politics, and castigated those who say UPDF should be apolitical.

"Our country has a history of being a Pan African country, where a fellow African is hurt or life lost or threatened, UPDF will be there, that is why we were able to save lives in South Sudan by deploying within the unthinkable four days an act even superpowers have never done," he said, describing the UPDF as "a politically conscience Army" that "jealously guards" Ugandans.

On her part, Byekwaso urged female students to tap into the vast opportunities that the UPDF offers to women.

"There is nothing we can't do that men do in the Army. We pilot fighter jets, drive Tanks and man heavy Artillery, no one should close your career in the military simply because you are a lady," she said. 

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