The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out more than 1,000 Senior One and Senior Five students following a week of intensive training in patriotism, leadership, and cadership at Mbarara Army Boarding Secondary School.
The training, conducted at the school’s grounds in Makenke, concluded on Wednesday with a colourful ceremony where students demonstrated drills and skills acquired during the programme, including controlled exercises in the assembly and handling of firearms training equipment under supervision.
School headteacher Capt. Richard Okullo said the programme is designed to go beyond academic learning and prepare students for broader life challenges.
“Students at Mbarara Army are unique in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. We focus on values and skills that stay with them forever,” Okullo said. “Whether it is discipline, time management, or the ability to handle challenges under pressure, we are moulding a generation that is not only academically sound but also practically equipped to serve their country.”
The 2nd Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi, in remarks delivered by Col. Okwoba, reaffirmed the UPDF’s support for the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), saying the programme is part of a broader strategy to build national cohesion and responsibility among young people.
“The UPDF remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting patriotism in schools. By training these young minds in cadership, we are building a foundation of loyalty and responsibility,” Muhanguzi said.
He added that the initiative is intended to shape students into disciplined citizens who can contribute positively to society.
“A patriotic youth is the best defence a nation can have against internal and external threats,” he said, urging learners to apply the lessons in leadership, discipline, and civic responsibility in their communities.
The one-week course covered a range of topics, including Ugandan history, ideological orientation, financial literacy, physical drills, and basic self-defence techniques.
Parents and guardians who attended the pass-out ceremony expressed admiration for the transformation of the students, noting improvements in discipline and confidence.
Education stakeholders have increasingly promoted cadet-style training in some institutions as part of broader efforts to strengthen discipline and civic awareness among learners, particularly in schools with structured military affiliations.
The programme continues to attract both support and debate, with proponents praising its role in shaping responsible citizens, while critics call for careful balance with conventional academic learning.
