President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has called upon military personnel to focus on their lifestyles and patriotism rather than indulging in “ignorance” on social media platforms.
Addressing 295 officer cadets at the Uganda Military Academy-Kabamba in Mubende District, President Museveni questioned their online activities, saying, “I hear that you spend a lot of time on social media. Are you engaging with knowledgeable individuals or simply exchanging ignorance?”
President Museveni further cautioned the newly commissioned officers against unhealthy behaviors such as alcoholism and promiscuity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good health.
He encouraged servicemen to continuously expand their knowledge by enrolling in courses and engaging in extensive reading.
“UPDF has made significant strides in national defense. We have diversified our capabilities, encompassing various branches of the military. We are even in the process of launching a satellite and strengthening our marine forces to cover Uganda’s numerous freshwater areas,” remarked President Museveni.
He added, “The launch of our satellite will further enhance our capabilities.”
President Museveni, who is set to celebrate his 79th birthday on September 15, advised parents not to burden their children in the armed forces by constantly requesting money from them. He stressed that Uganda’s favorable climate offered opportunities to alleviate poverty.
Vincent Ssempijja, the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, urged the cadets to maintain unity.
Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, noted that four of the cadets had graduated from overseas academies in countries like Kenya, Jamaica, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Colonel Wycliff Keita, the Commandant of Uganda Military Academy Kabamba, disclosed that among the 295 officer cadets, 32 were women.
A majority of the cadets, approximately 236, were selected from specialized UPDF departments, including medical, ICT, engineering, air force, education, finance, legal services, and procurement, among others.
The professional cohort consisted of four postgraduates, 129 graduates, and 103 diploma holders, with some hailing from neighboring countries like Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tanzania.
The Ugandan military praised these young citizens for making a patriotic choice to serve their country under the UPDF.
They received training not only in military knowledge and skills but also in political economy and their broader role in the social, economic, informational, and diplomatic aspects of state power, as noted by Colonel Keita.