Maj Gen Henry Masiko, the Joint Staff Political Commissariat of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has stressed the pivotal role of political education in fostering a strong work ethic within the UPDF.
He explained that ideology is the foundation of the army, ensuring personnel understand the purpose behind their service.
At the opening of a two-day staff retreat, Maj Gen Masiko remarked, “Ideological grounding is important in ensuring that the force and personnel understand the mission of the army so that they serve out of conviction.”
He further highlighted the importance of soldiers having a clear sense of purpose, noting that this enables them to make sacrifices and perform their duties with genuine commitment. “Military service is not about careerism but rather about conscious discipline and sacrifice,” he emphasised.
Brig Gen Joseph Freddy Onata, CEO of Wazalendo Saving and Credit Co-operative (WSACCO) Society, explained that the retreat aimed to help staff grasp the connection between the mandate of Wazalendo SACCO and the historical mission of the UPDF. “When people work with an understanding of why they do what they do, they become more productive. Ideological understanding will therefore help us connect our work to the efforts of the soldiers in the field, who are the biggest contributors of the resources that we employ to serve and to do business,” Brig Gen Onata said.
Day one of the retreat covered topics such as fostering positive attitudes for effective performance, presented by Col Anatoli Nuwagira, and work-life balance and self-care, led by Ms Patience Rwendaire.
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