Maj Gen Henry Masiko, the Joint Staff Political Commissariat of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has urged newly passed-out trainees to uphold revolutionary discipline, serve with purpose, and shun misconduct.
Addressing graduates at a pass-out ceremony held at the Oliver Reginald Tambo School of Leadership in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District, Maj Gen Masiko challenged the officers to be “cadres with a mission” rather than mere careerists.
The event marked the successful completion of two key training programmes: the six-month Training of Trainers (TOT) Course Intake 02/25 and the four-week Advanced Psychosocial Course Intake 01/25. “Desist from dishonest dealings and anti-people actions such as extortion and aiding land grabbing. These are not just wrong, they are doctrinal issues,” said Maj Gen Masiko.
“Instead, be crusaders for a new resolve to improve the capacity, capability, and performance of the UPDF and other security agencies as true people’s institutions.”
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Maj Gen Masiko encouraged the graduates to embrace ideological clarity and effective communication. “Don’t light a candle and put it under a basket. That’s not what we expect from TOT and psychosocially polished personnel. Your tongue must be your weapon,” he remarked.
He also conveyed the CDF’s appreciation for the continued role of the Oliver Reginald Tambo School in nurturing skilled, ideologically grounded officers. “This institution has produced many ideological trainers, thereby easing the ideological workload in the force,” he said.
Maj Gen Masiko praised the school’s leadership, particularly Commandant Brig Gen Justus Rukundo, for maintaining high standards. “Keep up the good work,” he said.
Brig Gen Rukundo congratulated the graduates and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to impactful, transformative learning. “No one should leave this centre the same way they came in,” he said.
Also addressing the ceremony was Col Okello Elamu, Chief Instructor at the Basic Training School–Kaweweta, representing the Joint Staff TRADOC. He commended the graduates for choosing courses that would enrich their professional journeys.
The ceremony drew several senior and junior officers, including Assistant Commissioner of Police Moses Byabagye and Lt Col Robert Winyi.
