President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned 280 officer cadets at the Uganda Military Academy in Kabamba, Mubende District, urging the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to strengthen military training, combat corruption and protect wealth creators as part of efforts to safeguard national security.

During the commissioning ceremony, Museveni congratulated the newly commissioned officers and thanked their families and the UPDF leadership for guiding them through their training.

The President emphasised that a strong defence system depends not only on well-trained soldiers but also on a strong economy, investment in science and technology, and cooperation among African countries.

He said the UPDF must protect wealth creators while helping to combat crime and sabotage in communities, linking national security to economic development and the protection of productive activities.

Museveni also commended the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and his commanders for efforts to fight corruption within the army and improve the welfare of soldiers.

The President said he was following improvements in barracks and military pay, stressing that the fight against corruption was particularly important because the misuse of resources directly affects the welfare of men and women serving in uniform.

He urged the newly commissioned officers to remain disciplined, maintain close ties with the public and serve Uganda with honour.

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in his remarks at the Kabamba commissioning ceremony, highlighted the importance of improving soldiers’ welfare, citing progress in pay, accommodation, logistics, health services and education over the past three years.

He reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to strengthening personnel welfare and operational capacity, while emphasising the need for continued investment in military training, equipment and professional development.

Kainerugaba also called for the highest standards of military education to be maintained across UPDF training schools and colleges. He stressed that training remained a critical responsibility of the force and that military education must be consistently implemented at every level.

He commended the Uganda Military Academy, Kabamba, under the command of Brig. Gen. Saad Katemba, for its role in training and mentoring officers to serve with professionalism and discipline.

The academy commandant also underscored the importance of combining academic education with military training to produce competent officers capable of carrying out their national duties. He urged the cadets to uphold their values and remain focused on serving Uganda.

The ceremony included the commissioning of Professional Cadets Intake 09/2026 and the graduation of students from Bachelor of Defence Studies Intake 05 (2023–2026). The graduates were welcomed into the UPDF officer corps after completing their initial professional military training.

Kainerugaba congratulated the graduates and urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold the force’s core values of discipline, courage and loyalty. He also called on them to report to their assigned units promptly to gain practical experience in active service.

Addressing the country's security situation, the CDF noted concerns about violent crime involving machetes and firearms in some parts of Uganda. He said security agencies were coordinating efforts to apprehend suspected criminals and protect life and property.

On regional security, Kainerugaba said peace and stabilisation missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan and Somalia were progressing well, while emphasising the need for continued vigilance against emerging threats.

He also recognised the UPDF’s contribution to Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation and expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his longstanding leadership and guidance as Commander-in-Chief.

The commissioning at Kabamba highlighted the UPDF leadership’s stated priorities of professional military training, discipline, anti-corruption efforts, improved soldiers’ welfare and cooperation in addressing security challenges in Uganda and the wider region.