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During the passing ceremony of 229 army recruits at the Sera-Kasenyi Army Training School, President Museveni commended the Special Forces Command (SFC) for their use of advanced training methods, including electronic training aids, to enhance the level of training in the elite unit. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the skills of these recruits, including engineers and doctors, effectively within the armed forces. Additionally, other military officials and dignitaries praised the President’s efforts in improving the UPDF’s capabilities and emphasized the need for specialized training and equipment to address emerging threats.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces, graduated 229 army recruits from the Sera-Kasenyi Training School’s intake 08/2022-23 after they successfully finished their basic military training.

The President thanked the Special Forces Command (SFC) for enhancing the level of training in the elite unit by combining the use of electronic training aids such computerized guns and tanks before going on a field practical during his remarks at the event on Saturday 13th May 2023.

“This is very smart. It enables us to train many people but also not to use a lot of fuel and not to cause wear and tear of the tanks or the guns because you’re doing it electronically. That’s what many modern countries are doing. So, I congratulate you for upgrading the training in the SFC,” Gen. Museveni said.

He also commended the trainers for including the usage of multiple weapons to enhance fighting strategies.

The President urged the army’s leadership to make effective use of these bright young individuals, including engineers and doctors, who he claimed would benefit the force.

“So, you the army leaders, you should be clear how you use them. It is correct that after the basic exposure of the military, they join the brigades of their profession,” H.E Museveni noted, calling upon the trainees not to misuse the chance to serve their country.

35 of the 229 pupils at Sera-Kasenyi Training School, according to Lt Col. William Ndyomugabe, the school’s commandant, are female. He continued by saying that the trainees are highly educated, with 3 of them holding master’s degrees, 115 with bachelor’s degrees in various fields, 32 with diplomas, 24 with certificates, and the remaining 55 with S.6 and S.4 certificates.

He stated that among other things, these were put through leadership training, political education, technique training, first aid training, physical training, and foot drills.

“Your Excellency the exercise objectives were achieved,” Lt Col Ndyomugabe said.

He also urged the trainees to be disciplined, love their country Uganda and protect the people.

“You should always remember that enemies of our country Uganda are not only those carrying guns, but you may also turn yourself in the same category if you don’t avoid subversive tendencies like; corruption, cheap popularity, sectarianism, formation of cliques, intrigue among others,” Lt Col. Ndyomugabe further noted.

Brig. Gen. David Mugisha, the commander of Special Forces Command, thanked the commander in chief for improving the well-being of the UPDF and vowed to keep creating top-notch soldiers. In addition, he pointed out that there are many obstacles in the current operating environment, including terrorism, chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) assaults, cyberthreats, insurgencies, and others that require special attention.

Brig. Gen. Mugisha stated, “There is consequently a need to begin specialized training and acquire current equipment so as to deter and curtail such obstacles from happening to our country.”

Maj. Gen. Jack Bakasumba, acting chief of staff of the UPDF Land Forces, praised the SFC leadership for placing a high priority on training on behalf of the Chief of Defense Forces. He pushed the new recruits to be disciplined and to keep learning new things.

“I congratulate you for completing the course but it’s just the beginning of your career and we expect the highest standards of discipline from you. Live within your means to avoid financial pressure on yourselves and stay fit. Also make sure that whatever you do is in line with your profession,” Maj. Gen. Bakasumba said.

Hon. Huda Oleru, the state minister for defense and veteran affairs, commended the president for his goal to make the UPDF a force that is known across the world for its capability to handle emerging threats. “Thank you for opening the space for ladies to join the forces,” Minister Oleru added.

The Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Robert Gonyi, the Deputy Commander SFC Brig. Gen. Charity Bainababo, Senior officers of the UPDF, and religious leaders were among those who attended the event. Edith Buturo, the Under Secretary in charge of Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs, was also present.

The Special Forces Command (SFC) is a specialized component of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) tasked with carrying out specialized missions or operations at a moment’s notice.