Museveni Commissions 352 Military Cadets at Kabamba With Four  Commandments

Kabamba, Mubende | The rolling hills of Kabamba echoed with pride and military pageantry on Friday as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), commissioned 352 officer cadets at the Uganda Military Academy, Mubende District.

The parade ground glimmered under the afternoon sun  a sea of crisp uniforms, precision marching and the thunder of boots as families and defence officials gathered to witness the birth of a new generation of Ugandan soldiers.

In a speech that blended philosophy, history, and strategy, President Museveni delivered what he termed the four commandments of soldiering — health, discipline, patriotism (uzalendo) and competence.

He urged the cadets to maintain physical and mental fitness, warning that “a soldier who neglects his health cannot endure the hardships of the field.”

On discipline, Museveni described it as the backbone of military effectiveness. “The army operates as a unit not as a collection of individuals. Without discipline, there is no army.”

The President called for deep-rooted patriotism, reminding the cadets that defending Uganda requires not only strength but love for the nation and its people.

And on competence, he challenged the UPDF to keep pace with the world’s most advanced militaries:

“Modern armies now operate on land, sea, air, and even in the cyber and space domains. Africa has no option but to master all these phases,” Museveni declared, drawing applause.

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth hailed the President for his transformative leadership crediting him for building the UPDF into one of Africa’s most professional and respected forces.

“Under your stewardship, the UPDF has evolved from a liberation army into a disciplined, well-organized institution that safeguards Uganda’s sovereignty and contributes to regional peace,” he said.

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba described the commissioning as a renewal of the UPDF’s strength and tradition, vowing continued loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief.

“We pledge to always stand by you, to follow your command, and to support your mission to transform Uganda into a modern, first-world nation,” he said.

Gen. Muhoozi commended the cadets for choosing “the highest vocation in human experience that of service and sacrifice.”

He revealed ongoing welfare improvements in the force from better housing and logistics to education and healthcare, including the operationalization of the UPDF National Referral Hospital, now offering outpatient services.

“We will continue to sharpen your skills until you become the best warriors and commanders. The UPDF has never failed in any mission, and we expect you to uphold that legacy,” he added.

Commandant Brig. Gen. Saad Katemba congratulated the graduates for their discipline and resilience throughout the course.

He detailed that the 352 officers included 105 graduates of the Bachelor of Defence Studies, 218 professional cadets, 11 trained abroad, and 18 from sister nations — Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Kenya, and the Central African Republic.

Brig. Katemba said the Academy continues to grow as a center of excellence, combining academic study with intense military training in tactics, leadership, and administration.

He announced plans to upgrade the Kabamba–Kalama road to enhance mobility and logistics support for future training. “Kabamba remains the beating heart of Uganda’s officer corps,” he said.

As the freshly commissioned officers marched past the saluting dais, their synchronized steps and steely gazes told the story of months of endurance and transformation.

The ceremony was not just a military ritual — it was a moment of renewal for the UPDF, a reminder of how far Uganda’s army has come, and a glimpse into its future.

From Museveni’s bush war legacy to Muhoozi’s modern command, the institution continues to evolve  anchored in the four commandments that the President believes will define the next generation of soldiers.