A total of 122 officers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have successfully completed the Platoon Commanders Course at the School of Defence Intelligence and Security in Migyera, Nakasongola District, marking a key milestone in their military careers.
The graduation ceremony, held on April 18, was presided over by Major General Charles Byanyima, Commander of the Motorised Infantry Division, who represented the Commander Land Forces.
He described the occasion as both an ending and a beginning, signaling the officers’ transition into higher responsibility, leadership, and accountability within the force.
Byanyima commended the graduates for acquiring critical professional skills during training, noting that they are now better prepared to handle complex operational challenges.
He urged them to uphold discipline, loyalty, patriotism, and ideological clarity, while adhering strictly to the UPDF code of conduct and fulfilling their constitutional duties under Article 209 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
“You are the future leaders of this force. Remain focused, disciplined, and committed to good health and service excellence,” he said, while also praising the Chief of Defence Forces for strengthening the UPDF through improved infrastructure, combat readiness, welfare, ideological training, and a firm stance against corruption.
Brigadier General Wycliff Keita from Joint Staff Training and Doctrine (JS TRADOC) praised the leadership of the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security for facilitating the course in Migyera.
He said the training was designed to address real operational challenges and bridge gaps in professional military education, helping to reduce training backlogs across the force.
Representing the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Colonel Nicholas Humble Nyesiga expressed gratitude to the President for prioritizing human resource development within the security sector, and lauded UPDF leadership for transforming the institution into a more agile and professional force.
The Commandant of the School of Defence Intelligence and Security, Colonel Ezra Kokundakwe, revealed that among the 122 graduates, 22 were female officers.
He thanked both UPDF leadership and the local Migyera community for their support, urging graduates to uphold excellence and discipline in their future assignments.
The ceremony was also attended by several senior military officers, including Brig Gen Paul Namawa, Brig Gen Freeman Mugabe, Brig Gen Columbus Tumwine, Brig Gen Allan Karanzi, Brig Gen John Patrick Otongo, among others.
