UPDF Passes Out Bus Drivers And Stores Management Personnel

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out personnel who completed the Bus Drivers’ Course Intake 06/26 and Basic Stores Management Course Intake 019/26 at the School of Supplies and Transport (SOST), Gaddafi Barracks, Jinja.

The pass-out ceremony was presided over by Brigadier General David Humble Tweheyo, Secretary of the National Defence College Uganda, who represented the Joint Staff Logistics.

In his address, Brig Gen Tweheyo urged the newly qualified bus drivers to uphold discipline, integrity and accountability while handling UPDF transport assets.

He reminded the graduates that their responsibilities extend beyond driving, emphasising the importance of protecting passengers, maintaining professionalism and safeguarding institutional property.

“The bus drivers are not only drivers, but they are managers who manage the lives of people on the roads and the occupants they carry on the buses,” Brig Gen Tweheyo said.

He cautioned the drivers against drinking and driving, noting that irresponsible conduct could lead to accidents, loss of life and damage to institutional property.

Brig Gen Tweheyo also urged graduates of the Basic Stores Management Course to exercise accountability in receiving, storing, managing and issuing supplies under their custody.

He encouraged all graduates to become good ambassadors of SOST when they return to their respective units and formations, demonstrating the discipline and values acquired during their training.

The Commandant of SOST, Lt Col Charles Tibabite Mirongo, explained that the Bus Drivers’ Course covered driving instruction, vehicle mechanics and general knowledge, road craft, professional and military law, convoy operations, city and street driving techniques, and passenger management.

The Basic Stores Management Course, on the other hand, covered general stores management, inventory management, fundamentals of arms, procurement and military logistics.

Lance Corporal Okiwir Fiex Leopas from the Special Forces Command (SFC) emerged as the overall best student in both theory and practical examinations in the Bus Drivers’ Course Intake 06/26.

Private Jonga Ronald was recognised as the overall best performer in theory and practical examinations in the Basic Stores Management Course Intake 019/26.

He urged the graduates to remain disciplined, focused and ideologically loyal to the UPDF as they return to their respective units and formations.

The ceremony was attended by community leaders, senior officers and heads of departments from neighbouring formations and units, among other guests.