Museveni passes out 229 recruits – Commends SFC for upgrading training

In a colorful ceremony held at the Sera Kasenyi Training School, President Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, has passed out 229 new army recruits who successfully completed their basic military training. The President congratulated the Special Forces Command for upgrading the level of training by incorporating the use of electronic training aids, such as computerized guns and tanks, before going for field practical.
During the ceremony, the Commandant of Sera-Kasenyi training school, Lt Col William Ndyomugabe, noted that the 229 trainees, of whom 35 were female, were well-educated with three holding master’s degrees, 115 with bachelor’s degrees in various disciplines, 32 with diplomas, 24 holding certificates, while the remaining 55 had S.6 and S.4 certificates. They were taken through leadership training, tactics, political education, first aid, physical training, and foot drills, among others.
The new soldiers were urged to be disciplined, love their country, Uganda, and protect its people by Lt Col Ndyomugabe. He also cautioned them against subversive tendencies such as corruption, cheap popularity, sectarianism, formation of cliques, and intrigue.
The Commander Special Forces Command, Brig Gen David Mugisha, expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief for uplifting the welfare of UPDF and promised to continue producing high-quality soldiers. He also noted that the global contemporary operating environment is faced with a lot of challenges ranging from terrorism, chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attacks, cyber threats, insurgencies and others that need special attention.
The Acting Chief of Staff UPDF land forces, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, who represented the Chief of Defense Forces, thanked the SFC leadership for prioritizing training and urged the new recruits to continue acquiring more knowledge and to be disciplined.
The Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon Huda Oleru, thanked the President for his vision to transform UPDF into a force that is recognized globally because of its capability to handle emerging security threats. She also appreciated the President for opening up space for ladies to join the forces.
The passing out ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including senior officers of the UPDF and religious leaders. The new soldiers were reminded that this was just the beginning of their careers, and they were expected to live within their means to avoid financial pressure on themselves, stay fit, and make sure that whatever they do is in line with their profession.