The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Hima Training School in Kasese District has passed out 590 Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (JNCOs) of Intake 08/26, including 125 female soldiers, with a call to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during training in the execution of their duties.
Presiding over the pass-out ceremony on behalf of the Deputy Commander Land Force, the Commander of the 2 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, underscored the critical role of junior leaders in strengthening the effectiveness of the UPDF.
“The strength of any army does not lie only in its weapons or numbers. It lies in the quality of its leaders, especially those at the tactical level. That responsibility rests largely on Junior Non-Commissioned Officers,” Maj Gen Muhanguzi said.
He described JNCOs as the vital link between commanders and soldiers, noting that they translate operational plans into successful mission outcomes through effective leadership at the tactical level.
Maj Gen Muhanguzi urged the graduates to put into practice the knowledge and skills gained during the course, reminding them to remain prepared to respond to security threats, national emergencies, peace support operations, and other assignments entrusted to them by the UPDF leadership.
He emphasised that discipline and professionalism are the cornerstones of military success.
“Discipline is the foundation of military effectiveness. Without it, orders are ignored, units become ineffective, and missions fail,” he said, encouraging the graduates to lead by example and uphold the highest standards of integrity so that those under their command can emulate them.
The Commandant of Hima Training School, Colonel Martin Nahurira, said the trainees had been equipped with general military knowledge, leadership skills, physical fitness, and combat readiness to enable them to effectively execute their responsibilities in the field.
Col Nahurira cautioned the graduates against HIV/AIDS, reminding them that the disease remains incurable and urging them to protect their health in order to continue serving the country effectively.
Present were senior and junior officers and representatives from Uganda Police and Uganda Prisons.
