UPDF Commends URA for Embracing Ideological Training of its Personnel

The Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has commended the leadership of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for prioritising ideological training for its personnel.

This was conveyed by the Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, on behalf of the CDF, while officiating the pass-out ceremony of 244 officers of URA who completed the Transformation Leadership Course (TLC) intake 06/25 at the Oliver Reginald Tambo School of Leadership and Pan-African Centre of Excellence in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District.

Maj Gen Masiko expressed appreciation to URA Commissioner General Mr. John Rujoki Musinguzi for identifying the UPDF as a partner in developing transformative leadership among revenue officers.

“Public officers without a proper and deep ideological orientation cannot be expected to work out of conviction,” he said. “When one lacks conviction, commitment falters. Ideology is the compass, and when that compass is faulty, direction is lost.”

He noted that the school at Kaweweta is increasingly supporting not only UPDF troops but also other government ministries, departments, agencies, and even corporate organisations in need of ideological and leadership training.

Maj Gen Masiko urged the officers to apply the patriotic principles learned during the course to strengthen their performance and serve the nation selflessly. “Enrich your knowledge of both national and global dynamics to serve with conviction,” he said, quoting President Yoweri Museveni’s recent advice: “Wherever you are deployed, work diligently because what you do directly influences what you get.”

He urged the officers to remain vigilant, avoid corruption, and embrace transformative discipline and methods of work.

In his remarks, Commissioner General Musinguzi congratulated the URA officers for completing the training, warning them against corruption which has previously led to dismissals of officers unable to resist the temptation of bribes. “Take seriously what you have learned from this transformational leadership course. It will benefit not just URA and UPDF, but the country at large,” he said.

He thanked President Museveni, the UPDF leadership, and pledged continued cooperation with the military to promote national stability.

Brig Gen Justus Rukundo, Commandant of the Oliver Reginald Tambo School, hailed the occasion as a milestone, marking the first transformation leadership course conducted for URA personnel.

He acknowledged the Commissioner General’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with the UPDF, adding that the school runs tailored ideological programs for various government agencies.

According to Brig Gen Rukundo, the four-week intensive course focused on ideological orientation, transformational leadership, and national development.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Brig Gen Sam Omora, Cantonment Commander Kaweweta; Col Watasa, CIIPSO Singo; Col Okello, Acting Commandant BMTSK; AIGP Ubaldo Bamunoba, Chief Political Commissar Uganda Police Force; Mr John Tinka Katungwensi, Commissioner of the URA Tax Academy; Ms Sarah Chelengat, Commissioner Domestic Taxes; Mr Richard Kariisa, Commissioner Corporate Services, among others.