Lt Gen Okidi Prepares Cadets For Realities Of Service At CDF Dinner

The Commander Air Force (CAF), Lt Gen Charles Okidi, has urged graduating cadets to embrace continuous learning as they prepare to take on the responsibilities of military leadership.

Representing the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, at a dinner held in honour of Officer Cadet BDS 05/23-26 and Professional Cadet 09/26 at the Uganda Military Academy, Kabamba, in Mubende District, Lt Gen Okidi congratulated the cadets on successfully completing a demanding phase of military training, reminding them that the transition from the academy to active service would require discipline, patience, focus and continuous professional development.

He reiterated his earlier statement made while giving a lecture of opportunity, that joining the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) is a calling rather than merely a job and urged the young officers to embrace their profession with dedication and a strong sense of duty.

“Be patient, be focused,” he counselled, drawing on the experiences of senior officers who have progressed through different ranks and professional responsibilities to demonstrate that effective military leadership is built over time.

Lt Gen Okidi also commended the lecturers and senior officers who had engaged the cadets during their training, noting that their guidance and shared experiences were vital in preparing the next generation of military leaders for the demands of command and modern warfare.

The Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, Brig Gen Wycliffe Keita, in his own words, said that the dinner demonstrated the leadership’s commitment not only to military education and professional development but also to recognising achievement and service.

Drawing on his experience as a former Commandant of the academy, Brig Gen Keita shared three guiding principles for the cadets as they prepared to assume their first appointments in the UPDF.

He emphasised that a commission comes with an obligation to the soldiers under an officer’s command, who deserve effective leadership, protection, fairness and a positive example.

“Your forthcoming commission is a responsibility, not a privilege,” he said, reminding the cadets that the authority entrusted to them must be exercised with accountability and concern for the welfare of those they lead.

The Dean of Social Sciences, Makerere University, Mr. Tumwesigye, encouraged the cadets to develop passion for their chosen careers, explaining that enthusiasm and dedication would be essential as they embarked on their professional journeys.

He also challenged the young officers to live purposefully, warning them against moving through life without clear goals or direction, noting that education remains a continuous process and the knowledge acquired during training should serve as a foundation for further professional development.

The lecturer also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting professional military education, encouraging the graduating cadets to maintain their relationship with the institution and continue seeking knowledge even after completing their current programmes.

“Don’t be aimless,” he counselled, urging the cadets to believe in themselves, identify their objectives and remain focused on achieving them.

The dinner was attended by training and college commandants of the UPDF, Senior and Junior officers of the UPDF, among others.