UPDF Graduates 165 New Military Officers
The UPDF Commander Land Forces, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, presided over the passing-out ceremony for 165 military officers at the School of Infantry in Bihanga, Ibanda District. After a comprehensive four-months training program for middle-level commanders, which included five officers from Burkina Faso, the ceremony celebrated their successful completion on Friday September 20th.
In his address, Lt Gen Muhanga commended the training school for transitioning the officers into capable commanders equipped to handle evolving battlefield dynamics. He highlighted Uganda’s strategic and Pan-African relationship with Burkina Faso expressing gratitude to the allied officers for their strong performance during training.
He emphasized the necessity of discipline within the UPDF and the importance of valuing one’s role for the effective execution of military tasks. He warned against indiscipline, which can hamper career progression, and stressed that maintaining health is vital for success.
Brig. Gen. Godfrey Golooba, commandant of the School of Infantry explained that the company commanders’ course is designed to enhance knowledge in leadership, tactics, and operations at the middle command level. The program included classroom instruction, field exercises, and guided tours of specialized military units such as the Air Force and Artillery Division.
Brig. Gen. Golooba thanked the formation commanders for their organization and for imparting valuable knowledge unto the officers during their study tour which helped familiarize them with various military assets.
He encouraged the officers to cultivate trust within their teams, prioritize their responsibilities, and maintain open communication. Golooba further advised them to uphold military doctrine as a guiding principle, maximize resource utilization to avoid corruption, and remain steadfast in their commitment to the mission and vision of the UPDF.
The course which comprised 18 female officers of the 165 total participants successfully equipped them with the skills necessary for effective decision-making as military commanders.
The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking military officials and community leaders, underscoring the significance of this event in enhancing the capabilities of the UPDF.
