UPDF Passes Out 165 Commanders, 5 Burkina Faso Officers

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out 165 military officers, including five from Burkina Faso, following a four-month middle-level commanders’ training at the School of Infantry in Bihanga, Ibanda District. The ceremony was presided over by the UPDF Commander of Land Forces, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, who applauded the training School for training the officers into competent commanders who will be able to handle evolving battle dynamics with discipline and sufficient knowledge required to execute tasks precisely well. Gen Muhanga emphasised the strong strategic and Pan-African relationship between Uganda and Burkina Faso. He expressed deep gratitude to the five allied officers from Burkina Faso for their commitment and excellence throughout the training program. “I thank officers from Burkina Faso for being exceptionally good during training; with Burkina Faso, we share the same Ideology. Late HE Thomas Sankara once visited Uganda,” said Gen Muhanga. He commended the officers for not only successfully completing the rigorous course but also for their outstanding performance, both in the classroom and during field exercises. Muhanga noted that their participation further strengthened the bond between the two countries, underscoring the shared military and ideological ties that unite them. The top army officer stressed the importance of maintaining discipline within the UPDF, highlighting its critical role in the effective execution of military tasks and responsibilities. Muhanga urged the officers to fully appreciate the value of their roles as commanders and emphasised that success in their duties depends on upholding high standards of discipline. Additionally, Gen Muhanga reminded the military officers to prioritise their health, referring to it as a form of wealth, and warned against behaviours that could lead to indiscipline, which not only hampers operational efficiency but also negatively impacts individual career advancement. Leadership The commandant of School of Infantry – Bihanga, Brig Gen Godfrey Golooba said the company Commanders’ Course is an operation heavy course designed to develop commanders’ knowledge in the art of leadership, tactics and operations for middle level commanders, adding that the objective of the training was to produce potential infantry manoeuvre commanders equipped with expertise to handle issues with broad leadership skills at tactical levels . The course combined classroom instruction with various field exercises, giving the military officers practical experience. As part of the training, they were also taken on guided tours of specialised units, including the Air Force, Artillery Division, and the Armoured Warfare Training Centre, among others, to familiarise themselves with different military operations and assets. “I want to thank the formation Commanders for the organisation and knowledge imparted to Military officers during the tours, the study tours helped officers to familiarise themselves with various assets in different formations,” Brig Gen Golooba said. Similarly, he advised the officers to build trust with their teams, determine their priorities at their workplaces, support their subordinates, seek knowledge for self improvement and facilitate constant communication in their places of work, lead by example, delegate effectively and maintain physical fitness. “Know our doctrine, it’s a strong pillar for our success, know your resources and encourage proper utilisation of these resources to avoid corruption, value your role and above all, remain loyal and committed to the mission and vision of UPDF,” Brig Gen Golooba advised military officers. The course entrusts military officers with sufficient knowledge required to perform a variety of duties during decision making in their formations as commanders. The ceremony was attended by among others; Maj Gen Don Nabasa, the 3rd Infantry Division commander, Brig Michael Kabango, Chief of Staff Land Forces, Brig Gen Alex Opolot Olupot, Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, Brig Gen Chris Ogwal, Commandant Junior Command and Staff College – Jinja, Brig Gen GB Wolimbwa, Commandant Basic Military training School – Kaweweta, Brig Gen Wycliffe Keita, Commandant Uganda Military Academy – Kabamba, Brig Gen P Otongo, Commandant International Peace Support Operations Training Centre – Singo, and Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, the 4th Infantry Division Commander. Others include; Col Saad Katemba, Commandant Non Commissioned Officers Academy – Jinja, Col Wilson Kabeera, Commandant Armoured Warfare training School, Col Napoleon Namanya Kyabihende, Deputy Commandant Military Police, Col HW Mukasa, Commandant Special Mission Training School Butiaba, and Col AB Kagina, Commandant Military Police Training School.