The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out 122 trainees who completed the Platoon Commanders Course at the School of Defence Intelligence and Security in Migyera, Nakasongola District.
The ceremony was presided over by the Commander Motorised Infantry Division, Major General Charles Byanyima, on behalf of the Commander Land Forces.
He said the occasion marked not only the end of training but the beginning of greater responsibility and career progression, and a strong sense of accountability in every action and decision.
“The skills you have acquired during this training have equipped and mentored you with professional abilities to handle any challenging task,” said Maj Gen Byanyima.
He called on the officers to remain disciplined, uphold the UPDF code of conduct, and demonstrate loyalty, patriotism, and ideological clarity, while reminding them of their duty to fulfilling the force’s constitutional mandate under Article 209 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
Maj Gen Byanyima encouraged them to remain focused and maintain good health, noting that they are the future leaders of the force.
He appreciated the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) for his leadership that has enhanced infrastructure, combat capability, welfare, ideological awareness, and reinforced zero tolerance to corruption within the UPDF.
Joint Staff Training and Doctrine (JS TRADOC) Brigadier General Wycliff Keita commended the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security for facilitating the training in Migyera.
He observed that the course was designed to address practical operational challenges and help bridge gaps in professional military education.
Brig Gen Keita said that the initiative, introduced by the CDF, aims to eliminate the backlog in military training and ensure that all eligible personnel access professional development opportunities.
Representing the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Colonel Nicholas Humble Nyesiga thanked the President for championing human resource development in the security forces and lauded UPDF leadership for transforming the force into a versatile and agile institution.
The Commandant of the School of Defence Intelligence and Security, Colonel Ezra Kokundakwe, said among the officers who graduated, 22 were female.
He thanked the UPDF leadership and the Migyera community for their support and urged the graduates to uphold discipline and strive for excellence in their service.
The ceremony was attended by several senior officers, including Chief of Staff – Special Forces Command, Brig Gen Paul Namawa; Commander Ground-Based Air Defence, Brig Gen Freeman Mugabe; Brig Gen Columbus Tumwine, Commandant Uganda Air Force College, Brig Gen Allan Karanzi; Commandant Basic Military Training School, Brig Gen John Patrick Otongo, as well as other senior and junior officers.
