Kaweweta, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), on Monday April 28, 2025 presided over a historic hybrid pass-out ceremony of 10,007 recruits at Kaweweta Basic Military Training School.
For the first time, multiple UPDF training centers were virtually connected, enabling a simultaneous, nationwide graduation.
The soldiers graduated from Kaweweta, the Airborne Training School, Amilcar Cabral Wing (SFC) in Nakasongola, Sera Kasenyi SFC Training School, Olilim Recruit Training School in Katakwi, Labwordwong Training School in Agago, Abim Training School, and Ruhengyere SFC Training School in Mbarara.
President Museveni praised the use of technology, saying it eliminated the need for physical visits and demonstrated the army’s innovation and transformation.
He congratulated the graduates and commended the instructors for maintaining high training standards, emphasizing that a strong, disciplined, and modern army was essential for safeguarding Uganda’s sovereignty.
He urged the recruits to prioritize physical fitness, mental alertness, and collaboration with intelligence and police agencies to fight crime, especially vandalism of power infrastructure, which he said hinders national development.
He emphasized the historical lesson that weakness and disorganization had led to colonization in the past, urging the soldiers to defend Uganda’s progress through discipline and professionalism.
The President expressed pride in the UPDF’s leadership for fighting corruption, improving welfare, and investing in healthcare and infrastructure.
He concluded by encouraging the graduates to remain loyal to the army’s code of conduct and to serve Uganda with honour.
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba described the hybrid pass-out as a significant milestone for the UPDF.
He applauded the large number of graduates and the successful use of technology to connect different training centers.
Gen. Muhoozi commended the recruits for their patriotism and willingness to serve, noting that their nine-month basic course was just the beginning of their journey, with ongoing professional development to follow.
He emphasized that the broad regional representation among the recruits reflected Uganda’s unity and constitutional ideals.
He highlighted improvements in soldier welfare under President Museveni’s leadership, including better accommodation, transport, and education for soldiers’ children.
Gen. Muhoozi warned against misuse of military resources, declaring zero tolerance for corruption and wastage.
He thanked the president for his continued support and saluted the commanders and instructors for shaping the new soldiers.
Brig. Gen. Bonny Wolimbwa, Commandant of Kaweweta Basic Military Training School, praised the resilience, discipline, and patriotism shown by the recruits.
He noted that the tough training had transformed them from civilians into soldiers ready to defend Uganda.
He acknowledged the challenges the recruits had faced but highlighted their teamwork, leadership skills, and commitment to service.
Brig. Gen. Wolimbwa said the graduates’ perseverance reflected their readiness to take on the demands of military service with honour and courage.
President Museveni awarded the best-performing recruits for their outstanding achievements.
The ceremony concluded with the new soldiers solemnly taking the oath of allegiance to protect Uganda and uphold the UPDF’s values of loyalty, patriotism, and discipline.