President Museveni Commissions 413 Advanced Armor Warfare Officers
Mubende, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in his capacity as Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), today presided over the graduation of 413 officers from an advanced armor military warfare course at the Uganda Military Academy – Kabamba.
The intensive six-month training program equipped the graduates, comprising 74 Armor platoon commanders, 122 Armor technicians, and 217 Armor crews, with cutting-edge military warfare skills and tactics.
President Museveni congratulated the officers on their triumphant completion of the course,highlighting their rapid mastery of tank equipment. He emphasized the dual nature of warfare, combining scientific advancements in equipment with the art of organization and tactical utilization.
“War is an old science and an old art,” President Museveni stated. “Science in the form of equipment and art in the way you are organised and utilise the equipment. Science always influences the organization and the tactics.”
The President also urged the newly commissioned officers to remain vigilant against evolving threats to armor defense technologies, such as improved air forces and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). He stressed the importance of understanding and adapting to these challenges to effectively package defense capabilities.
In a direct address to the graduates, President Museveni underscored the significance of personal well-being and integrity. “Love yourself so that you don’t die of diseases,alcohol or drugs. You should remain healthy,” he advised. He further cautioned against corruption, stating, “When you see a corrupt soldier, he is your enemy and the enemy of the country.”
The President reaffirmed the UPDF’s ongoing modernization efforts and commended the army leadership for their commitment to professionalizing the force, citing progress in welfare, training, and infrastructure progress, including the construction of barracks and training facilities.
Deputy Chief of Defence Forces,Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, noted the UPDF’s drive to elevate all military training facilities to centers of excellence, with 14, including the Kabamba academy, having already achieved this status. He also called upon the armor trainees to maintain precision, competence, and to shun detrimental behaviors.
Brig. Gen. Peter Chandia, Commandant of the armored warfare Training School – Karama, confirmed that the graduates are now proficient in mechanized warfare, the fundamentals of firepower mobility, and the skillful deployment of mechanized resources in contemporary battle environments.
The ceremony also recognized the outstanding performance of the top students.
