UPDF Officers Urged to Stay Loyal to President Museveni after Staff Course Pass-Out

The Chief of Staff Land Force Brig Gen Chris Bagonza yesterday urged graduating officers to combine professionalism with loyalty to President Yoweri Museveni, as he presided over the pass-out of Grade III Staff Course Intake 39/26 at the Junior Staff College in Jinja.

“Lead with intelligence, discipline and remain loyal to the President and Commander in Chief of the UPDF H.E Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni plus adherence to the Constitution,” he said whileofficiating the ceremony as chief guest, noting that the graduation marked months of hard work, sacrifice, dedication and intellectual growth among the officers.

He commended the Chief of Defence Forces and Special Presidential Advisor on Special Operations Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for prioritising training in the transformation of the UPDF into a modern army. He said training remained central to military effectiveness and readiness.

“Training is for utilisation,” Bagonza said, adding that the skills acquired would be needed when duty calls. He added that the course strengthens professional competence and sharpens officers’ ability to operate in dynamic and demanding environments.

He reminded graduands that the course marked the beginning of greater responsibility, not the end of learning. He urged them to remain exemplary, uphold discipline and mentor others to ensure continuity in the force.

Bagonza also called on officers to support government poverty eradication programmes, including the Parish Development Model, arguing that economic transformation would strengthen national security. He warned that poverty had previously enabled groups such as ADF to exploit vulnerable communities.

“By manipulating poor communities, ADF came to fruition,” he observed, urging officers to support efforts to eliminate poverty through productive engagement.

He also directed officers to observe health safety measures, especially against Ebola, noting: “Ebola is real and is with us.”

The Commandant of Junior Staff College, Brig Gen Chris Ogwal, praised the leadership of the UPDF for supporting training. He said all 105 graduating officers, including 16 female officers, had demonstrated discipline, commitment and professionalism.

He said the course equipped officers to handle both combat and non-combat operations through better judgement, coordination and adaptability.

Senior officers in attendance included Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso, Brig Gen Michael Ssozi Ssesanga, representatives from sister security agencies, directing staff, families and other officers.

Awards went to outstanding performers, with Maj VB Bwambale named Best in Leadership while Acting Maj Andrew Opus emerged Best Overall.

Brig Gen Bagonza officially closed the course and urged officers to remain disciplined, professional and committed to national service.