President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the commander-in-chief, has cautioned 777 cadet officers from Uganda and other countries who were passed out this afternoon at Kaweweta Basic Military Training School in Nakaseke against bringing career tendencies in the army and instead focus on sacrificial service.
“Do not bring careerism in our army,” the president said, before reechoing the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba who described military leadership as a “profound responsibility.”
“I congratulate you as Gen. Muhoozi, the CDF (Chief of Defence) of Uganda told you, the problem of African armies is to treat the army as a job other than an obligation to defend their countries. It your responsibility to defend your home and when you are defending your country, it is not a job,” he said.
Museveni, who recalled how he transformed the UPDF from a small group into a large army, said careerism tendies have been a problem for Somalia because citizens are demanding for salaries to defend their country.
He said that his focus has always been on service rather than merely the job.
According to him, UPDF has been able to protect Uganda from regional insecurity because it’s an ideological army not a machinery army.
According to him, the country’s stability has partly influenced economic recovery.
President Museveni said that the current approach to military training exposes trainees to realities of combat.
“We decide that at an early stage that [trainees] should be exposed to the realities of warfare including wider combination of arms…. warfare combines all elements of combat and that is how you can achieve results and we have been telling our people,” he said.
He also cautioned against corruption, which he identified as a significant issue.
Speaking at the event, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba advised the cadet officers to serve with humility as they commence their duties in the military.
“Remember, leadership is about service… Serve with humility and compassion and always try to leave a positive impact. Your legacy as officers will be defined not only by your achievements but by the trust and respect you earn from those you lead,” said the CDF, who described leadership as a “profound responsibility.”
“You are entrusted with the lives of those under your command, the security of our nation,” he said. “In every decision you make, let the principles of duty, honour, and love of country guide you.”
The CDF urged the cadet officers to lead by example.
“Be steadfast in the commitment to serve and protect, to lead by example and to inspire those around you. Your actions will shape the future of our defence forces,” he said.
“Embrace the challenges ahead with courage and resilience… Foster a spirit of unity and camaraderie… It is through teamwork and mutual respect that we achieve greatness.”
The event was also attended by his Malian counterpart, Chief of General Staff Maj Gen Oumar Diarra, Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs Sarah Mateke Nyirabashyitsi, Minister of Works and Transport Gen Katumba Wamala, delegates from other countries, service chiefs, and senior UPDF officers.
Gen Kainerugaba, who is also the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, urged the cadet officers to protect their names.
“Today, as you don your new pips, you’ve not only just become young officers, you are now guardians of our nation’s sovereignty and defenders of our people,” he said.
“Stand tall, lead with integrity and honour. Throughout your career, avoid staining your names with the evils of corruption, cowardice, treachery, and indolence.”
The General reminded the cadets that their profession is a vocation, not a job.
“We are always warrior monks dedicated to the security and welfare of our country and continent,” he said, adding that completing the course marks a significant milestone in their military careers.
“Having attended and survived a commissioning course like this 25 years ago, I think I have an idea of what you’ve gone through,” he said, adding that officers who take such courses undergo fear, exhaustion, self-doubt, and anxiety.
“However, what you remember most as years go by are the friendships forged through the hardships.”
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