The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has stressed the critical role of continuous training in strengthening ideological clarity and nurturing cadreship among its officers.
This message was delivered at the conclusion of the first intake of the Training of Trainers (TOT) for the Political Education and Leadership Course (PELC) at the Oliver Reginald Tambo School of Leadership and Pan African Centre of Excellence (ORTSL-PACEX) in Kaweweta, Nakaseke district.
Maj Gen Bob Ogiki, standing in for the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, highlighted that the UPDF’s success in defeating over 20 insurgent groups was due to its adherence to a strong and correct ideology. “UPDF has proven itself as a force to reckon with based on correct ideology. Therefore, ideology needs to be enhanced through continuous training, and anything to the contrary would not be tolerated,” he said.
He emphasised that military strength alone is insufficient for operational success; ideological clarity is equally vital. “Security is not an end in itself but a means to achieve national growth, stability, and democracy,” he added. Maj Gen Ogiki also congratulated the graduates, urging them to promote the UPDF’s ideological messages rather than focusing on “careerism”.
“Go out and sell our well-packaged, ideologically conscious messages to both soldiers and civilians, strive for excellence, and be good ambassadors,” he concluded.
Brig Gen Michael Kibuye, Deputy Joint Staff Political Commissariat, encouraged the graduates to be effective educators in this period of ideological rejuvenation. He warned against ideological disorientation, which could hinder peace and stability.
Col Mulindwa, representing the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, Brig Gen Alex Olupot, underscored the significance of training and the risks posed by untrained officers. “We train you to fulfil the UPDF mandate,” he said, adding that political education is a core element of the UPDF doctrine.
He urged the graduates to apply what they had learned, preserve discipline, and uphold patriotism and Pan-Africanism.
The Commandant of ORTSL-PACEX, Col Justus Rwabyarire Rukundo, explained that the course aimed to equip political commissars with the skills to become political education instructors. He praised President Museveni for initiating ideological courses during the early “bush wars” and for providing strategic guidance to Oliver Tambo.
Col Rwabyarire also thanked the MODVA/UPDF leadership and guest facilitators from various MDAs for their support.
Seventy UPDF officers completed the course, including two females.
Awards were presented to the best students: Maj Benon Bamuhimbise for leadership, Capt Yusuf Kisebe for teaching, Capt Daphne Kabasomi for discipline, and Capt Martin Kakuru as the best overall student.
