The Chief of Staff Land Force (COS-LF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Brig Gen Chris Bagonza, has stated that military training must translate into practical application, noting that “training is for utilisation.”
He made the remarks at the pass-out of Grade III Staff Course Intake 39/26 at the Junior Staff College in Jinja.
Speaking during the pass-out, Brig Gen Bagonza said the day marked a milestone reflecting several months of hard work, sacrifice, dedication, critical thinking, and intellectual growth among the graduating officers.
He commended the Chief of Defence Forces and Special Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations (CDF and SPA/SO), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for making training a priority in the transformation of the UPDF into a modern army.
Brig Gen Bagonza said the exercise strengthens professional competency and sharpens an officer’s ability to operate under dynamic and demanding operational environments.
He added that the course also instils values of teamwork, resilience, and strategic thinking, enabling officers to operate effectively in new and emerging situations.
Addressing the graduands, Brig Gen Bagonza reminded them that the course is not the end of learning but the beginning of bigger responsibilities. He urged them to be exemplary, respect themselves, and nurture others for continuity of the force.
“Lead with intelligence, discipline, and remain loyal to the President, plus adherence to the Constitution,” he said, further calling on the officers to remain loyal and continue guarding the peace and stability in the country and beyond.
Brig Gen Bagonza urged the graduands to support the transformation of society by encouraging communities to take advantage of income-generating activities such as the Parish Development Model and other government programmes aimed at eliminating poverty.
“Get involved in productive activities,” he said, urging them to serve with honour, humility, courage, and professionalism.
Brig Gen Bagonza also linked poverty to insecurity, noting that conditions of deprivation in some areas had been exploited by armed groups. He observed that “by manipulating poor communities, ADF came to fruition,” adding that this underlines the need to fight poverty as part of strengthening national security.
Brig Gen Bagonza concluded by declaring the closure of the course and urged officers to adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) against Ebola disease as issued by the Ministry of Health, warning that “Ebola is real and is with us.”
The Commandant of the Junior Staff College, Brig Gen Chris Ogwal, commended the defence leadership for supporting the course and congratulated the graduating officers for completing a programme rooted in discipline, determination, and commitment to professional excellence.
He said the support from General Muhoozi had strengthened training of officers at tactical and operational levels, making institutional work easier.
Brig Gen Ogwal added that the accomplishment of the 105 graduating officers, including 16 female officers, reflected individual effort, perseverance, and readiness to assume greater responsibilities in service to the nation and the defence forces.
He noted that the Grade III Staff Course marked a significant milestone in professional military development, equipping officers with the ability to perform confidently in both combat operations and operations other than war through judgement, coordination, and adaptability.
Brig Gen Ogwal urged graduates to take pride in their achievement, remain confident, and continuously apply the knowledge gained, while carefully analysing information for sound decision-making.
“Always be honest and avoid misuse of resources,” he implored the graduands.
The ceremony concluded with the award of certificates and prizes to outstanding officers, with Best in Leadership going to Maj VB Bwambale and Acting Maj Andrew Opus emerging Best Overall.
The function was attended by Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso, Chief of Staff at the Uganda Rapid Capability Centre; Brig Gen Michael Ssozi Ssesanga, Commandant of the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) at Gaddafi Barracks; representatives from sister security forces; directing staff; senior and junior officers; and families of the graduands.