194 UPDF Officers Complete Company Commanders’ Course At School Of Infantry

A total of 194 Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officers, including 22 female officers, have passed out from Company Commanders’ Course Intake 28/26 at the School of Infantry (SOI) in Bihanga.

The pass-out ceremony was presided over by the Commander of the 2 Infantry Division, Major General Paul Muhanguzi, who represented the Deputy Commander Land Force.

Addressing the officers, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the course to strengthen leadership within their respective units, noting that the Company Commanders’ Course is the backbone of tactical leadership in the UPDF, where operational plans are transformed into effective mission execution.

“The knowledge gained here should improve operational effectiveness in your formations. Continue learning, remain disciplined, and uphold the core values of the UPDF, including discipline, loyalty, integrity, patriotism, and professionalism. Be worthy ambassadors of the School of Infantry and the UPDF,” he said.

He said that contemporary security challenges require commanders who are adaptable, innovative, and capable of responding effectively to evolving threats.

Maj Gen Muhanguzi reminded the officers that command carries immense responsibility for the welfare, training, discipline, and combat readiness of the soldiers under their leadership.

“Leadership in the military is measured not by rank alone, but by the ability to inspire, guide, and make sound decisions under pressure, especially in modern warfare. The UPDF expects you to become commanders who lead by example, uphold discipline, and safeguard the values of our institution,” he said.

He described the officers’ achievement as a testament to their resilience and commitment to serving the UPDF with competence, adding that the quality of training reflects the force’s commitment to developing highly capable officers.

Maj Gen Muhanguzi also commended the School of Infantry leadership and instructors for their continued efforts in producing competent commanders who contribute to national and regional security.

The Commandant of the School of Infantry, Brigadier General Godfrey Golooba, congratulated the graduates for their resilience, commitment, and perseverance throughout the intensive training programme.

He said the Company Commanders’ Course remains one of the UPDF’s key professional military education programmes designed to prepare officers for greater command responsibilities.

“This course was deliberately structured to broaden your understanding of command, leadership, and troop management. Command demands competence, integrity, and the ability to make timely decisions under difficult circumstances,” Brig Gen Golooba said.

He encouraged the officers to remain committed to professionalism, integrity, and mission accomplishment while applying the lessons learned in future assignments. The Commandant also thanked the chief guest, instructors, support staff, and all stakeholders whose contributions ensured the successful completion of the course.

The Chief Instructor, Lieutenant Colonel Nyero Kitara, said the trainees underwent extensive theoretical and practical instruction covering a wide range of command-related disciplines aimed at producing capable and effective company commanders.

He explained that the officers were continuously assessed through classroom instruction, operational planning exercises, leadership tasks, and field practicals.

“The officers demonstrated commitment, endurance, and a willingness to learn. They have been prepared to understand the demands of command and execute their responsibilities with confidence,” Lt Col Kitara said.

Lt Col Kitara emphasised that pass-out marks the beginning, rather than the end, of professional growth.

“As commanders, you will influence the morale, discipline, and operational performance of the soldiers under your command. The professionalism you exhibit will determine the effectiveness of your units,” he said.

The best-performing officers included: Lieutenant Vincent Lugoloobi, Best Overall Student; Lieutenant Norman Muhwezi, Best in Field Exercises; Lieutenant Ham Opirisi, Best in Class; Major Daudi Muhammad Komando, Best in Administration and Leadership; and Lieutenant Aminah Namwano, Best Female Student.

The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, civil authorities, local leaders from Ibanda and neighbouring districts, relatives of the graduates, and other invited guests.