Bihanga – Ibanda District: The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Commander of Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, on Friday, September 20, 2024, presided over the passing-out ceremony for 165 military officers at the School of Infantry in Bihanga, Ibanda District.
According to Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Public Information Officer, the military officers underwent a four-month training course for middle-level commanders, including five officers from the Republic of Burkina Faso.
During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Kayanja commended the training school for developing the officers into competent commanders capable of handling evolving battle dynamics with discipline and the necessary knowledge to execute tasks with precision.
Highlighting the strategic and Pan-African relationship between Uganda and Burkina Faso, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga expressed appreciation for the allied officers from Burkina Faso, who successfully completed the training and performed well both in the classroom and in the field.
“I thank the officers from Burkina Faso for their exceptional performance during training; we share the same ideology, as the late H.E. Thomas Sankara once visited Uganda,” Gen. Muhanga remarked.
He also emphasized the importance of discipline in the UPDF, stressing the value of fulfilling roles with excellence in the execution of military tasks and duties as commanders.
He further highlighted the significance of maintaining good health, equating it to wealth, and urged the officers to avoid tendencies of indiscipline, which could hinder their career progression.
Brig. Gen. Godfrey Golooba, the Commandant of the School of Infantry in Bihanga, explained that the Company Commanders’ Course is an operation-intensive program designed to enhance commanders’ knowledge in leadership, tactics, and operations for mid-level officers.
The objective of the training was to develop potential infantry maneuver commanders equipped with broad leadership skills at tactical levels.
The course involved both classroom instruction and several field exercises, including guided tours to specialized units such as the Air Force, Artillery Division, and Armored Warfare Training Centre, among others.
“I want to thank the formation commanders for the organization and knowledge imparted to the military officers during the tours. The study tours helped officers familiarize themselves with various assets in different formations,” Brig. Gen. Golooba stated.
Similarly, he advised the officers to build trust with their teams, prioritize their responsibilities at work, support their subordinates, seek knowledge for self-improvement, and foster constant communication in the workplace. He encouraged them to lead by example, delegate effectively, and maintain physical fitness.
“Know our doctrine; it’s a strong pillar of our success. Understand your resources and promote their proper utilization to avoid corruption. Value your role, and above all, remain loyal and committed to the mission and vision of the UPDF,” Brig. Gen. Golooba advised.
The course successfully graduated 165 military officers, including five from the Republic of Burkina Faso and 18 female officers.
This training provides the officers with the essential knowledge to perform a range of duties and make informed decisions as commanders within their formations.
The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officers, including Maj. Gen. Don Nabasa, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division; Brig. Michael Kabango, Chief of Staff Land Forces; Brig. Gen. Alex Opolot Olupot, Joint Staff Training and Doctrine; Brig. Gen. Chris Ogwal, Commandant of the Junior Command and Staff College – Jinja; Brig. Gen. GB Wolimbwa, Commandant of the Basic Military Training School – Kaweweta; Brig. Gen. Wycliffe Keita, Commandant of the Uganda Military Academy – Kabamba; Brig. Gen. P. Otongo, Commandant of the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre – Singo; Brig. Gen. Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division; Col. Saad Katemba, Commandant of the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy – Jinja; Col. Wilson Kabeera, Commandant of the Armoured Warfare Training School; Col. Napoleon Namanya Kyabihende, Deputy Commandant of Military Police; Col. H.W. Mukasa, Commandant of the Special Mission Training School in Butiaba; and Col. A.B. Kagina, Commandant of the Military Police Training School.
Religious and local leaders from Ibanda and Kazo districts were also in attendance.
