UPDF Officers Urged to Lead With Conviction and Ideological Clarity

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out 317 officers and two civilians who completed the Post-Cadet Ideological Orientation Course at the Oliver Reginald Tambo Leadership School and Pan-African Centre of Excellence in Kaweweta.

Presiding over the ceremony on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko commended the UPDF leadership for prioritising political education within the force.

He urged the officers to become effective and impactful commanders, reminding them that their leadership role is inherently political and should aim at making their units exemplary.

“Your field of command must reflect political clarity and discipline. Strive to make your unit number one through example and purpose,” he said.

Maj Gen Masiko cautioned the officers to uphold high ethical standards and professionalism, stressing that complacency and misconduct have no place in the force.

“Work out of conviction, not convenience. If you still harbour ambitions of dubious leadership, it is better to step aside.”

The School Commandant, Brig Gen Justus Rukundo, encouraged the officers to serve as change agents at their respective levels of command, noting that they had successfully met the course objectives, including leadership and ideological development.

He expressed gratitude to His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for pledging Shs 4 billion towards the construction of the school’s infrastructure.

Speaking on behalf of Joint Staff TRADOC, Col Joseph Elanu Okello described the knowledge acquired as a vital leadership tool that has historically helped transform officers and strengthen the UPDF’s operational effectiveness.

The ceremony was attended by Instructors, Senior and junior officers.