Mubende, Uganda – October 5, 2025 — General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), has reaffirmed his full support for President Yoweri Museveni’s long-standing vision of transforming Uganda into a modern, first-world nation.
Speaking during a commissioning ceremony at the Uganda Military Academy Kabamba in Mubende District, where 352 officer cadets and professional short-course intakes were officially passed out, Gen. Kainerugaba pledged the UPDF’s loyalty to the President’s development agenda.
“We pledge to always stand by you, to follow your command, and to support you unreservedly in your mission to transform Uganda from an underdeveloped country into a modern, first-world nation,” Kainerugaba said.
President Museveni presided over the ceremony, urging the newly commissioned officers to uphold discipline, patriotism, and professionalism as they take up their roles in service of the nation.
Context Behind the Pledge
Gen. Kainerugaba’s remarks come against the backdrop of President Museveni’s nearly four decades in power, marked by a consistent emphasis on economic transformation through commercial agriculture, industrialization, technological advancement, and service-sector expansion.
The Kabamba ceremony served as both a military milestone and a political statement reinforcing the alignment between the UPDF’s mission and the government’s broader development goals.
Kainerugaba, who has led key military operations including Operation Shujaa — a joint offensive with the Democratic Republic of Congo against the ADF insurgents in 2021 — currently serves as both the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces and chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda. His positions have placed him at the heart of the state’s strategic and political landscape.
Public Reaction and Debate
The pledge sparked widespread debate online, especially on X (formerly Twitter).
While some Ugandans praised the UPDF for its discipline and loyalty, others questioned the appropriateness of a top military officer publicly aligning with a political leader, particularly ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Opposition voices argued that such declarations blur the constitutional line that requires the army to remain non-partisan. Critics warned that the remarks could be perceived as politically motivated, especially given recurring speculation about Gen. Kainerugaba’s possible future political ambitions.
President Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986, has repeatedly urged citizens to emulate successful nations like Singapore and South Korea through disciplined governance and industrial growth.
Addressing the cadets, Museveni said, “We will continue to sharpen your skills until you become the best warriors and commanders, ready to face whatever challenges may arise in the line of duty.”
However, despite Uganda’s economic gains, critics note persistent issues such as poor infrastructure, limited access to quality healthcare and education, and widespread rural poverty. Supporters of Museveni and Kainerugaba counter that the UPDF’s stability and professionalism remain critical foundations for national progress.
