By Eye Media | Nakaseke  | July 9, 2026

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced that Uganda will commence domestic production of firearms as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign military supplies.

The President made the revelation on Thursday while presiding over the pass-out ceremony of 11,948 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruits of the 18th Intake of 2025/2026 at the Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District.

The recruits completed nine months of intensive military training, with the cohort comprising more than 1,700 trainees from the Central African Republic.

The ceremony was the first-ever hybrid military pass-out in Uganda’s history, with selected graduates attending physically at Kaweweta while others simultaneously graduated virtually from five military training schools located in Kaweweta, Ruhengyere in Mbarara District, Butiaba in Buliisa District, and Labwodong and Olilim in Katakwi District.

Addressing the new soldiers, President Museveni emphasized the importance of rigorous military training, saying it transforms recruits into disciplined and competent officers capable of handling complex security challenges.

He urged the graduates to prioritise self-preservation, maintain good health, and uphold the values of discipline and professionalism throughout their military careers.

The President further stated that the current government term, popularly known as Kisanja, is focused on discipline, accountability and the fight against corruption. He warned leaders against complacency and called on all public servants to embrace the government’s campaign of “Kisanja: No More Corruption.”

President Museveni commended the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for spearheading infrastructural development and improving the operational capabilities of the UPDF.

Speaking at the same event, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba challenged the newly passed-out recruits to remain bold and committed to defending Uganda’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He said the UPDF continues to strengthen its capacity and military might to safeguard the country’s independence against all forms of threats.

The CDF also assured Ugandans of continued peace and stability and congratulated President Museveni on his peaceful re-election, inauguration and the formation of a new government to steer the country forward.

General Muhoozi pledged the UPDF’s support towards government’s economic transformation agenda, saying the military remains committed to contributing to Uganda’s ambition of building a USD 500 billion economy.

He further commended Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth Oboth for his contribution to the transformation of the UPDF during his tenure as Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, particularly his role in the enactment of the UPDF Act and other reforms aimed at strengthening the armed forces.

The passing out of the 18th Intake significantly boosts the UPDF’s manpower as Uganda pursues military modernisation, regional security cooperation and greater self-reliance through the planned domestic production of firearms.