Museveni applauds 22 soldiers for completing defence course in Jinja

15 June 2025, 4:52 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The President of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Yoweri Museveni, while speaking to soldiers who had completed their National Security and Strategic Studies course at the National Defence College in Jinja, commended them for their service. The event took place at the end of the week, where the President praised the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) as one of the most disciplined armies in Africa and the world at large.

“I congratulate the 22 graduates of the National Security and Strategic Studies course from the National Defence College in Jinja. They are now part of a new generation of strategic thinkers, prepared to defend our sovereignty and contribute to Africa’s transformation,” President Museveni said. “They made the right decision to serve their country.”

This was the third cohort of graduates from the program, consisting of 22 officers who successfully completed their course and passed all the exams required for the first part of their Master’s in Security Strategy program.

One of the graduates, who preferred to remain anonymous, told Tiger FM that he is grateful to have been part of the program and is optimistic that the knowledge and skills gained will help him protect the country. He expressed appreciation to President Museveni and the UPDF leadership for organising such training opportunities.

General Salim Saleh recently noted that the UPDF is built on the correct ideology of being a pro-people army, guided by visionary leaders like the current Commander of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. “We have instilled values of discipline and respect for humanity in the army. Its strength echoes across Africa, from Somalia to DR Congo and South Sudan,” he stated.

Similarly, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has publicly warned that corruption has no place in the UPDF. He emphasised that those who engage in stealing from the people or weakening the force through selfishness must either reform or leave. “We will not hesitate to take action because the integrity of the army comes first,” he affirmed.