Museveni Commissions 203 Officer Cadets at Kabamba Military Academy

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who serves as the Commander in Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), commissioned 203 officer cadets at the Uganda Military Academy in Kabamba on October 16, 2024. The ceremony celebrated the cadets’ completion of their training and their readiness to join the military ranks.

During his address, President Museveni congratulated the new officer cadets on their commissioning and acknowledged the diversity among them. He noted that some cadets had completed a degree at Makerere University along with their officer cadet training, while others entered the army as professionals—engineers, doctors, lawyers, and teachers—who underwent six months of acclimatization training to better fit into military roles.

The President reflected on the historical challenges faced by Uganda’s military, stating that past regimes relied on a largely illiterate army. He emphasized the importance of education in modern warfare, asserting that an educated military is better equipped to handle contemporary conflicts. “Fighting needs knowledge; that’s why we defeated those who did not understand this,” he explained.

Museveni praised the ongoing transformation of military training facilities into centers of excellence. He commended the Ministry of Defence and military commanders for heeding his directives to improve training and accommodation at Kabamba Military Academy, which he described as a significant step forward.

To the officer cadets, Museveni encouraged them to prioritize their health and avoid negative influences such as alcoholism and corruption. He emphasized that maintaining integrity is vital for military personnel and highlighted the importance of welfare programs designed to support soldiers and their families.

“Even with small salaries, there were plans for soldiers’ welfare, including free schooling for their children, housing, and medical care. There is no reason to resort to corruption,” he asserted. Museveni added that the army has improved salaries, making it easier for soldiers to maintain their integrity.

The President also urged the military academy to adopt agricultural practices, particularly irrigation, to enhance food production. He expressed confidence that these practices could serve as a model for other sectors.

Among the graduates, Mr. John Muhenda received the top award for his exceptional performance in training. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery, showcasing the academic achievements within the officer cadet group.

The Minister of State for Defence in charge of Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Oleru, commended the cadets for their hard work and dedication. She remarked that their graduation marks both an end and a new beginning in their military careers, encouraging them to take pride in their accomplishments.

Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, acknowledged the significance of Kabamba military academy in President Museveni’s vision for a professional army. He outlined ongoing improvements to the academy, which align with the President’s master plan for enhancing military training.

Brig. Gen. Wycliff Keita, the Commandant of Uganda Military Academy-Kabamba, provided further details on the graduating class. He highlighted the inclusion of international officer cadets from countries such as Rwanda and South Sudan, reflecting the spirit of regional cooperation in military training.

Brig. Gen. Keita affirmed the dedication and discipline demonstrated by the officer cadets during their training, expressing confidence that they will serve Uganda with distinction.

Table: Key Details of the Commissioning Ceremony