President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on October 20 commissioned 280 officer cadets who completed the Bachelor of Defence Studies and Professional Cadet programmes at the Uganda Military Academy (UMA), Kabamba.

The graduates comprised 87 cadets from the Bachelor of Defence Studies (Intake 05/23-23) and 193 from the Professional Cadet Course (Intake 09/26).

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Museveni outlined key factors for building a strong and effective defence force, including a robust economy, a close relationship between the army and the population, professional military training, investment in science and technology, and strategic cooperation among African countries.

“One of the factors is a strong economy. A strong economy would be able to support a strong army,” Museveni said.

He urged UPDF leaders to identify factors undermining economic growth and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure sustained economic expansion.

“The economy is grown mainly by wealth creators. Wealth creators in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, artisanship, services, and ICT,” he said.

On the recent rise in crime, President Museveni warned that “criminal acts undermine wealth creation and must be dealt with firmly.”

“That’s sabotage. It must not be tolerated,” he stated.

Museveni also underscored the strategic relationship between the army and the population, emphasising that discipline and good conduct are essential to maintaining public trust.

“We didn’t have enough weapons in the bush, but the support of the people was positive for those weapons in many cases,” he said.

Gen Museveni called for greater investment in science and technology to address Africa’s historical technological disadvantages and strengthen the continent’s capacity to defend itself.

He also stressed the need for African countries to coordinate their defence capabilities across land, air, sea and space to respond effectively to evolving security threats.

He commended the UPDF leadership for efforts to improve soldiers’ welfare and combat corruption, describing these measures as essential to strengthening the force.

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, thanked the President for his continued guidance and commitment to strengthening Uganda’s defence capabilities.

Kiryowa commended the UPDF leadership, under the stewardship of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for advancing military professionalisation, human resource development, infrastructure improvement, soldiers’ welfare and the fight against corruption.

Minister Kiwanuka highlighted the importance of military cooperation with regional partners, particularly Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.

He noted that joint training, professional exchanges and the sharing of military experience enhance interoperability, mutual trust and regional stability.

“Wear your uniform with honour, lead with integrity. Remember that leadership is measured not by rank, but by service, courage and responsibility. Always put the mission, your soldiers and the interests of the people of Uganda above your personal ambition,” Kiryowa said.

“I congratulate you for successfully completing your first major professional military course. You have exhibited great discipline, endurance, and commitment in your officer training, and today I welcome you to the great UPDF Officer Corps,” Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba said.

He said the young officers must understand that the UPDF is anchored on discipline, courage and loyalty to the President’s vision, Uganda and the institution.