Lead with conviction and ideological clarity – army officers told

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out 317 officers and two civilians who completed the Post-Cadet Ideological Orientation Course.

The training and passout took place at the Oliver Reginald Tambo Leadership School and Pan-African Centre of Excellence in Kaweweta, Nakaseke district.

Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko presided over the event and commended the UPDF leadership for prioritising political education within the force.

Maj Gen Masiko urged the officers to become “effective commanders” reminding them that their leadership role is inherently political and should aim at making their units exemplary.

“Your field of command must reflect political clarity and discipline. Strive to make your unit number one through example and purpose,” he said.

He cautioned the officers to uphold high ethical standards and professionalism, stressing that complacency and misconduct have no place in the force.

“Work out of conviction, not convenience. If you still harbour ambitions of dubious leadership, it is better to step aside.”

The School Commandant, Brig Gen Justus Rukundo, encouraged the officers to serve as change agents at their respective levels of command, noting that they had successfully met the course objectives.

He expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for pledging Shs 4 billion towards the school’s infrastructure construction.

Joint Staff TRADOC, Col Joseph Elanu Okello described the knowledge acquired as a vital leadership tool that has historically helped transform officers and strengthen the UPDF’s operational effectiveness.