President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned 498 cadets into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces at Kaweweta, Nakaseke District, in a ceremony highlighting Uganda’s commitment to building a professional, disciplined, and Pan-African-oriented military.
Kaweweta, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presided over the commissioning of 498 officer cadets of Intake 19/25 (Long Course) at the UPDF Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District.
The intake includes cadets from Uganda and other African countries, including Tanzania, Somalia, Mali, and the Central African Republic. Speaking at the ceremony, President Museveni said their participation “is proof that Africa can manage its own affairs,” highlighting Uganda’s role in fostering regional cooperation and Pan-African solidarity.
The cadets completed a 177-kilometre Salim Saleh Trek as part of their final exercise, symbolizing Uganda’s heroic past and the sacrifices that have ensured national stability. Museveni praised the UPDF leadership, including Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for maintaining a “tradition of excellence” in training disciplined and ideologically grounded officers.
The commissioning reinforces the UPDF’s mission to professionalize its officer corps while strengthening regional military collaboration. The newly commissioned officers are now expected to take up leadership roles in Uganda and participate in regional peacekeeping efforts.
