UPDF Officers Challenged To Defend Uganda With Ideological Discipline And Professionalism

Brigadier General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division, has urged officers and other ranks to uphold ideological discipline and professional ethics, describing them as essential pillars for Uganda’s sovereignty, peace, and development.

Addressing over 900 officers and militants at the School of Artillery and Air Defence (SAAD) in Olilim, Katakwi District, Brig Gen Sserunkuma opened an ideological orientation programme and delivered a lecture on the Land Forces’ role in 3 Infantry Division operations.

“You must uphold ideological values and a high level of professionalism. This is where we draw our strength to defend Uganda’s sovereignty and ensure lasting stability,” he stated.

Highlighting Uganda’s immense social and economic potential, Brig Gen Sserunkuma called on personnel to safeguard the nation’s progress, stressing that peace and professionalism are crucial for achieving middle-income status. He urged the troops to remain patriotic and committed to duty while leveraging existing incentives to improve their families’ welfare.

He also expressed appreciation for the support extended by the strategic and Land Force Headquarters, and for the cooperation of peace-loving communities across the region. According to Brig Gen Sserunkuma, such partnerships have significantly reduced armed violence and facilitated socio-economic transformation in Karamoja and neighbouring sub-regions.

During the same event, Brig Gen Sserunkuma received a delegation from the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine Command (JS TRADOC), led by Brigadier General Wycliffe Keita. The team, comprising directors and staff officers, toured the training facilities to evaluate their capacity and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening them.

JS TRADOC pledged to enhance internal training systems across the division, particularly by supporting more middle-level courses for junior officers and non-commissioned officers and addressing existing training backlogs.

The visit culminated in strategic discussions aimed at improving collaboration between formations and service headquarters, empowering divisional training institutions, and advancing the professional growth of UPDF personnel.

Present at the occasion were Col Joseph P. Ocen, Commander of the 106 Artillery Brigade; Col Richard Butungi, DAO; Col D.M. Kavuma, Director TRADOC Land Force; Col S.S. Mulindwa, Colonel Capability; Lt Col M.M. Bisawa, Chief Instructor of Air Defence at SAAD; and Maj Emmanuel Watuwa, Acting Chief Instructor representing Lt Col Eria Mugasa, Commandant of the 3 Infantry Division Training School.