Museveni Commissions 498 Cadets as Muhoozi Warns Politicians Against Indiscipline

Gen Muhoozi (R) welcoming President Museveni in Kaweweeta on Friday

President Museveni has commissioned 498 officer cadets of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and allied African nations, urging the newly minted officers to uphold the army’s founding principles as the institution strengthens regional cooperation and professionalization.

The commissioning ceremony took place at the Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District, and included cadets from the United Republic of Tanzania (10), Somalia (40), the Central African Republic (100), and Mali (20), reflecting the UPDF’s growing role in continental defence partnerships.

“You have been commissioned into UPDF, which is an army of warriors and heroes, and it is an army that is based on some principles,” Museveni said.

He cited patriotism, pan-Africanism, discipline, professionalism, and physical fitness as the backbone of Uganda’s military doctrine.

The soldiers at the pass-out parade

“If you don’t have health, you cannot manage the army work as required,” he added.

Museveni reminded the officers of the UPDF’s revolutionary heritage, referencing the 170-kilometre Salim Saleh track, a 1984 operation on Masindi Barracks that defined the National Resistance Army’s endurance.

He also commended the UPDF for “how recently they crushed those criminals who showed up in Kasese,” referring to recent attacks in the Rwenzori region.

Museveni interacting with his sister Natasha

Welcoming the international cadets, the President said their participation signified Africa’s growing ability to build strong defence institutions “without reliance on external powers.”

Muhoozi Cautions Political Actors

Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba described the commissioning as “a testament to the UPDF’s improved training capacity, which is a crucial element of our overall national security posture.”

He said it marked the second officer commissioning in a month — a reflection of the institution’s enhanced capacity and operational tempo.

Turning to national politics, Gen. Muhoozi praised the ongoing electoral campaigns for proceeding peacefully but issued a stern warning against indiscipline.

Generals attending the event

“We must warn any candidate, presidential or otherwise, who continuously flouts the electoral commission’s guidelines and tries to provoke security forces that we shall not stand for it,” he said.

“This indiscipline must stop. The security of the country will not be compromised merely because a particular candidate is campaigning. It doesn’t work like that.”

Gen. Muhoozi’s warning was widely interpreted as a veiled response to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, who has recently been accused by authorities of repeatedly flouting Electoral Commission and police campaign regulations.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader has drawn large crowds during his early campaign rallies, some of which have reportedly disregarded approved routes and security guidelines, according to Police.

Muhoozi also credited citizens in the western region for supporting recent security operations.

“We thank the wanainchi for rallying to our side and strongly supporting our actions to defeat these criminals. We encourage them to maintain that spirit. All those who were captured will be arraigned before the courts to face the law,” he said.

Museveni interacting with UPDF Generals

Citing the ancient Roman maxim, Muhoozi added, “Those who desire peace must prepare for war,” underscoring the need for constant vigilance even during peacetime.

Training, Excellence, and Recognition

Brigadier General John Patrick Otongo, Commandant of the Kaweweta Training School, said the commissioning capped 36 weeks of intensive training emphasizing teamwork, leadership, patriotism, and service. “They drew strength from one another and now represent the future of their militaries as a united and determined force,” he said.