The Commander of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) 2 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, has called on newly trained Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (JNCOs) to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training to strengthen tactical leadership, uphold discipline, and effectively execute their duties in service of the country.
He made the remarks while presiding over the pass-out of 590 Junior Non-Commissioned Officers of Intake 08/26, including 125 female soldiers, at the UPDF Hima Training School in Kasese District on behalf of the Deputy Commander Land Force.
Maj Gen Muhanguzi underscored the critical role of Junior Non-Commissioned Officers in enhancing the effectiveness of the UPDF, describing them as the vital link between commanders and soldiers.
"The strength of any army does not lie only in its weapons or numbers. It lies in the quality of its leaders, especially those at the tactical level. That responsibility rests largely on Junior Non-Commissioned Officers," he said.
He noted that JNCOs are responsible for translating operational plans into successful mission outcomes through effective leadership at the tactical level, making them indispensable to the success of military operations.
Maj Gen Muhanguzi urged the graduates to put into practice the knowledge and skills gained during the course, reminding them to remain prepared to respond to security threats, national emergencies, peace support operations, and other assignments entrusted to them by the UPDF leadership.
He emphasized that discipline and professionalism remain the cornerstones of military success.
"Discipline is the foundation of military effectiveness. Without it, orders are ignored, units become ineffective, and missions fail," he said.
Maj Gen Muhanguzi encouraged the graduates to lead by example and uphold the highest standards of integrity so that the soldiers under their command can emulate them.
The Commandant of Hima Training School, Col Martin Nahurira, said the trainees had been equipped with general military knowledge, leadership skills, physical fitness, and combat readiness to enable them to effectively execute their responsibilities in the field.
He urged the graduates to apply the competencies acquired during the training while carrying out their duties in their respective units.
Col Nahurira also cautioned the graduates against HIV/AIDS, reminding them that the disease remains incurable and urging them to protect their health so they can continue serving the country effectively.
The pass-out ceremony was attended by senior and junior UPDF officers, as well as representatives from the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda Prisons Service.
