The President and Commander in Chief (CIC) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) H.E Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Saturday 13-may-2023 officiated at the pass out of recruits who have completed their Basic Military Course (BMC) at Sera Kasenyi Training School in Entebbe.
The successful 229 recruits, of which 35 are females, started their nine months BMC Intake 08/2022 – 23, on 15 August 2022.
In his remarks at the function, President Museveni congratulated recruits and expressed his happiness that the group has been transformed into useful Ugandans.
“You will not regret joining the army,” museveni said.
Before passing out, the trainees demonstrated the basics of fighting through the terrain model and shooting range.
President Museveni elaborated the importance of using combined arms to fight, saying that integrating fighting styles scores success.
“You should never use one element when fighting. You need different elements,” President Museveni told the newly passed out recruits and other troops at the function.
He added that the fresh recruits will add value to the army and urged commanders to absorb them into the different units and formations, most especially the engineers and doctors.
The President further congratulated the Special Forces Command (SFC) for upgrading their level of training, as witnessed by the use of the electronic training aids like computerised guns and tanks.
“The use of electronic training aids is very smart because it enables the training of many people, reduces ware and tare of machinery like tank s, and saves on fuel,” he explained.
The president committed more support to the school in terms of infrastructure at so as to deepen and widen the professionalization agenda.
The State Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs Hon Oleru Huda appreciated the peace and security created by UPDF, which has enabled growth and development of Uganda’s economy.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, the Chief of Staff Land Force Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba commended the President for his strategic guidance on building a strategic, efficient and modern army.
He stressed and emphasized the need of regular training as a core for any powerful military force as he also urged trainees to maintain discipline, ideological clarity, live within their means, stay physically fit and healthy.
The best students were recognized and awarded; Pte Mugabe Yesse was awarded the best overall as Pte Ruranga Jessy got an accorade for the best student in class.
Others are: Pte Kavuma Michael Lwanga(best in practicals), Pte Ikondere Mathew (best in leadership and discipline) and Pte Dr. Nabwonge Polly (best female recruit)
