The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has called on trainees of Battle Group 45 to uphold and sustain the National Resistance Army (NRA) ideology, emphasizing a pro-people approach grounded in patriotism, security, and Pan-Africanism.
Maj Gen Henry Masiko, head of the Joint Staff Political Commissariat, made the call while addressing the trainees at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-TC) in Nakaseke on Tuesday.
He highlighted the need to maintain the revolutionary values and traditions that have guided the NRA and UPDF since their inception.
“Discipline, truth, and adherence to the correct ideological, military, organizational, and economic lines are fundamental to the UPDF’s continued strength. We support what is right and oppose what is wrong. That is why the UPDF remains a strong and people-centred force,” Maj Gen Masiko said.
He further encouraged soldiers to practice financial discipline by saving and investing in income-generating projects, contributing not only to their personal welfare but also to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Col Moses Nabaasa, Commandant of IPSO-TC, reminded trainees to nurture patriotism and comradeship, warning against alcoholism, drug abuse, and other destructive habits that could tarnish the image of the force.
Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Lt Col Morris Twongeirwe Kyatoko, Second in Command of Battle Group 45, thanked the UPDF leadership for providing consistent ideological guidance, which he said has positively transformed the mindset and discipline of the soldiers.
The event was attended by both senior and junior officers of IPSO-TC, including Col David Watasa, Chief Instructor, among other dignitaries.
Battle Group 45 is currently undergoing intensive training at IPSO-TC in preparation for deployment on peace support operations.