The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces 3 Infantry Division Commander, Brigadier General Michael Walaka Hyeroba, has urged troops to uphold patriotism, discipline and national consciousness in safeguarding Uganda’s peace and sovereignty.
He made the remarks at the Division Headquarters in Moroto during the official closing of a one-week Political Ideology and Patriotism training for officers and men of the Division.
Brig Gen Hyeroba described political education as a key pillar of the UPDF, guided by the strategic leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He commended the participants for their discipline and commitment throughout the training.
“You are not just soldiers of 3 Division, you are soldiers of Uganda. Protect our people, respect Wanainchi, and work hard to ensure Karamoja remains peaceful and productive,” he told the troops.
He emphasised the importance of understanding the purpose of military service and the responsibility of every soldier to the country.
“An officer without ideology is like a boat without a compass. You must understand why you are in uniform and who you serve,” he added.
Lt Col Simon Peter Kulumba, one of the facilitators, said that political education is essential to building a professional army committed to serving and protecting the population.
“A soldier without ideology is a potential danger to the people he is meant to protect. This training has been about understanding why we serve, what Uganda stands for, and where we are going as a nation. We must remain loyal to the Constitution, to the people of Uganda, and to the principles of Pan-Africanism and patriotism,” he said.
Lt Col Kulumba urged the troops to promote unity wherever they are deployed, particularly in the Karamoja Sub-region, where the UPDF continues to consolidate peace.
The ceremony was attended by the Division Operations and Training Officer, senior officers and heads of departments at the 3 Infantry Division Headquarters.
