Jinja: A remarkable ceremony marked the graduation of 107 junior officers from the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) at the Junior Command and Staff College located at Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja city. These officers successfully completed a rigorous 16-week Company Command Faculty, a program designed to equip them for roles as company commanders, potential battalion commanders, and staff officers.
The pass-out ceremony was graced by Major General Francis Takirwa, the Deputy Commander Land Forces, who emphasized the significance of patience, commitment, and discipline among officers. He underscored that these qualities are essential for UPDF officers to ascend the ranks through merit, recognizing the sacrifices they make in their line of duty.
Gen. Takirwa also highlighted the importance of patriotism as these officers embark on diverse roles within the UPDF, serving as both army representatives and national ambassadors. He expressed confidence that the UPDF holds the capacity to address internal challenges within Uganda without relying solely on external interventions.
He reiterated the country’s motto, “For God and My Country,” urging the officers to embrace their deployments while adhering to the principles of the army.
Brigadier General Chris Ogwaru, the Commandant of the Junior Command and Staff College, extended congratulations to the graduates while emphasizing the continued practice of discipline in their service to the UPDF. He encouraged the graduates to share their newly acquired military skills with fellow officers, enhancing the overall capabilities of the institution.
The college has attracted officers not only from Uganda but also from neighboring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi for various courses. However, Gen. Ogwaru pointed out the pressing need for modern infrastructure, including administrative blocks, classrooms, and dormitories, to accommodate the growing number of training officers.
Furthermore, the commandant called for an increase in staff at the college to ensure the effectiveness of training programs. Brigadier General Mathew Gulema, the Head of Training, emphasized the importance of professionalism and loyalty among officers, both in their work and in their interactions with peers and the institution as a whole.
