The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out 122 trainees who successfully completed the Platoon Commanders Course at the School of Defence Intelligence and Security in Migyera, Nakasongola District.
The ceremony was presided over by Charles Byanyima, Commander of the Motorised Infantry Division, who represented the Commander Land Forces.
Maj Gen Byanyima said the occasion marked not just the end of training but the beginning of greater responsibility and career growth for the officers.
“The skills you have acquired during this training have equipped and mentored you with professional abilities to handle any challenging task,” he said.
He urged the graduates to remain disciplined, uphold the UPDF code of conduct, and demonstrate loyalty, patriotism, and ideological clarity in the execution of their duties, in line with the force’s constitutional mandate.
He also encouraged them to maintain focus and good health, describing them as future leaders of the force.
Maj Gen Byanyima commended the Chief of Defence Forces for strengthening the UPDF through improved infrastructure, combat capability, welfare, and a firm stance against corruption.
Meanwhile, Wycliff Keita, from Joint Staff Training and Doctrine (JS TRADOC), said the course was designed to address practical operational challenges and bridge gaps in professional military training.
He noted that the initiative aims to clear training backlogs and ensure more personnel access career development opportunities.
Representing the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Nicholas Humble Nyesiga, commended efforts to strengthen human resource development within the security forces.
The Commandant of the training school, Ezra Kokundakwe, revealed that 22 of the graduates were female and urged all officers to uphold discipline and strive for excellence.
The ceremony was attended by several senior UPDF officers, including Paul Namawa and Freeman Mugabe, among others.
The newly passed-out officers are expected to take on leadership roles within the force as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational capacity.
