Muhoozi promises his father Museveni, to fight corruption

President Yoweri Museveni has applauded the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) leadership for bringing fresh energy, professionalism, and innovation to the army. Speaking at the hybrid pass-out ceremony at the Basic Military Training School (BMTS) in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District, Museveni praised the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for strengthening the army’s focus on both lethality and fighting corruption.

Museveni emphasized that an effective army must be sharp and deadly, not weak or blunt. He reminded the audience that warfare has always centered around attack and defense — like in ancient times with spears, arrows, and shields. A good army, he stressed, must know how to hit the enemy and protect itself.

The President also warned that if the army and the country fail to keep up with technological and organizational changes, Uganda would be left vulnerable, just like in the past when Africans were unable to resist colonialism and the slave trade because they were behind in technology.

Museveni highlighted the importance of innovation, pointing to the hybrid graduation as an example. Instead of holding separate ceremonies at different training schools, they held one main event, using technology to link others virtually a move he praised for saving time and resources.

On a serious note, the President and Gen Muhoozi urged young soldiers to take care of their health, saying it would be a betrayal to themselves, their families, and their nation if they allowed their health to fail after completing such demanding training.

At the same event, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba reassured President Museveni that the UPDF is fully committed to rooting out corruption among its commanders. He firmly stated that officers who steal or misuse military resources would face harsh punishment.

Gen Muhoozi also stressed that ensuring "value for money" is now a key part of army operations. He promised that every shilling will be carefully used to improve the living and working conditions of soldiers, including better salaries, housing, healthcare, transport, education for soldiers' children, and clothing.

He proudly told the recruits that they are joining the UPDF at an exciting time when many positive changes are happening. According to him, becoming a warrior is the highest calling anyone can have, and it demands total discipline and sacrifice.

Over 10,000 new soldiers passed out during the ceremony, which made it one of the largest military graduations in Uganda’s history. However, Gen Muhoozi reminded the graduates that this pass-out was just the beginning, and much more training awaits to shape them into the best fighters capable of handling any challenges.