UPDF General tells cadet officers to be patriots
CAPTION: Some of Marine Brigade passed out at the Marine Training School in Kalangalo, Wakiso District. (Courtsey photo).
By Our reporter
KAWEWETA – Officer Cadets undergoing training at the Basic Military Training School (BMTS) Kaweweta have been urged to embrace patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism as guiding principles in their military careers.
Deputy Commander Land Forces, Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, made the call while delivering a lecture of opportunity to the cadets intake 19 of 2025 on Monday November 4th, 2025.
He told the cadets that serving in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) requires selflessness, discipline, and loyalty to the nation.
“Feeling the nation at heart is similar to loving your own child,” Maj Gen Takirwa said, urging the officers to always place national interests above personal gain.
Maj Gen Takirwa emphasized need for peace and stability as key drivers of economic growth, adding that every officer shares the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s development.
He cautioned them against complacency and unethical conduct, emphasising the importance of professionalism and maturity in all aspects of duty.
“Do not be tempted to cross the perimeter and go into danger zones. We often like being bosses, but we have to work for it and show it,” he advised.
He reminded them that patience and perseverance are hallmarks of effective leadership. “There is nothing for free. Good things do not come instantly; they require patience,” he added.
He further encouraged the cadets to take interest in the welfare of their subordinates and to lead by example.
The lecture was attended by the Commandant of BMTS, Brig Gen John Patrick Otong; Chief Instructor, Col Joseph Elamu Okello; and the Director of Music, Col Moses Wilson Ssentongo, among other officers.
Meanwhile the Marine Brigade passed out 168 new militants who completed a four-month Marine Basic Induction Course at the Marine Training School in Kalangalo, Wakiso District.
Presiding over the ceremony, Brig Gen Michael Nyarwa, Commander Marine Brigade, applauded the graduates for their discipline, endurance, and determination. He described their journey from trainees to professional mariners as a testament to resilience and teamwork.
“You arrived as trainees; you leave as mariners, disciplined, skilled, and ready to serve,” Brig Gen Nyarwa said.
“You have endured the rigours of swimming and combat water survival, mastered navigation and tactics, and proven that determination and discipline yield success.”
The course, which began on June 30, 2025, focused on equipping trainees with essential maritime skills including navigation, communication, small boat handling, tactics, intelligence, first aid, physical fitness, and maritime law.
Brig Gen Nyarwa emphasised that integrity and character remain the foundation of the UPDF’s professional ethos beyond technical proficiency.
“Skill without character is a hollow vessel,” he cautioned. “Uphold the highest standards of self-discipline and ethical conduct. Respect your uniform, your comrades, and the communities you will serve.”
He commended the Commandant, Chief Instructor, and staff of the Marine Training School for their commitment to building a competent and professional Marine force that is capable of safeguarding Uganda’s waters.
Col David Kararira, the Commandant of the Marine Training School, congratulated the graduates for completing the programme and praised the instructors for maintaining high training standards despite some challenges.
“Finishing this course is a new beginning,” Col Kararira said. “Opportunities await those who remain disciplined, focused, and ambitious.”
He recognised the Marine Brigade Command for its continued support in strengthening the school’s capacity, noting its growing role as a vital centre for maritime operations training in Uganda.
The pass-out ceremony was attended by senior and junior UPDF officers, community leaders, parents, guardians, and members of the local community.
