UPDF is on the right track to becoming a modern army, says Museveni
President Museveni has said all signs show the Uganda People’s Defence Forces is on the right track to becoming a modern army.
Museveni made the remarks on Saturday while passing out 223 cadet officers at the Uganda Military Academy at Kabamba in Mubende District.
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“In the past, we fought wars without resources but now that Uganda is stable and fortunately the economy is growing which has enabled us to put in place the basics like electricity, transport, and cost of money which will enable us build a more modern army,” Museveni said.
“You have a chance to be leaders of a modern Uganda People’s Defence Forces. It is a rare opportunity for you.”
East African Military University
In 2016, President Museveni said that this year, the Uganda Military Academy at Kabamba will start offering degree programs after running the officers’ cadet course for nearly 28 years.
“We have been offering a one-year course for our officer cadets and this time, we intend to change to a three-year course to award degrees in Defence and Security [Studies] because the demand for our courses is growing tremendously,” Museveni said in October 2016 at Kabamba.
One of the cadet officers who were passed out.
Uganda Military Academy will thus be renamed East African Military University.
Speaking on Saturday, Museveni this is a good time to serve in the Ugandan army that he said is on the right track in achieving its goals.
“To be part of it(UPDF) is a great honour you should not take lightly. For us, we had to learn military science without all these facilities. We had to go to Mozambique but now you can get it here. Don’t misuse this opportunity.”
He said with the East African Military University, officers will be able to get knowledge and schools that will be of great help in the efforts of transforming the UPDF into a modern army.
Two officers hug after completion of the one-year cadet course.
“This academy is going to be transformed into a military university where you can get both leadership qualification in the army and academic qualification. It will be shared by east Africa and opportunities will be many. If you use it well your future will be bright,” Museveni noted.
The course will now run for three years, away from the usual one year period.
Rationale
Museveni praised the UPDF which metamorphosed from the National Resistance Army(NRA) for playing a crucial role in the transformation of the country into tangible benefits.
“UPDF is a force that was historically needed in Uganda otherwise the country would by now have disintegrated. UPDF was able to reverse the decline of the country and this was possible because of our ideology, strategy, and discipline,” the President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces said.
“Without much money, we were able to build strong force which saved Uganda and contributed to regional peace. To be part of it is a great honour you should not take lightly.”
It was a joyous moment for the officers who completed the one- year training course.
He, however, cautioned parents against demanding for money from their children who have just acquired jobs or else they would lead them into problems.
“You need to tell your parents to leave you alone because they cause you problems. When they come, tell them the president said that you should leave us.”
A total of 223 cadet officers were passed out at the Uganda Military Academy at Kabamba in Mubende district from both the UPDF and Somali army.
Of the 90 officers from the Somali army that enlisted for the course, only 20 were able to complete the one year course.
Others dropped off due to medical and discipline-related issues.
