*52 Officers Graduate From Kimaka, Reminded Of Commitment To Welfare And Professionalism*

The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, has reaffirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to the welfare and professional development of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).

He made the remarks while officiating at the graduation ceremony of 52 officers who completed the Grade II Command and Staff Course (20/24–25) at the Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC), Kimaka, in Jinja.

Hon. Oboth said the milestone not only marked a personal achievement for the graduates but also a critical turning point in their military careers.

“You now carry a higher responsibility to your nation,” he told the graduates. “This course is a call to think critically, not to react impulsively.”

He emphasised that the presence of regional participants at the college demonstrates the spirit of integration and shapes the strategic future of the region’s armed forces. He commended students from allied countries for their discipline and perseverance, saying their contribution continues to strengthen professional values across militaries.

The Minister urged graduates to emulate the courage and honour of the original 27 NRA fighters, who laid down their lives for Uganda’s liberation.

He applauded the President and Commander-in-Chief, H.E. Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his unwavering support and visionary leadership, which he said continues to transform the country and its defence institutions.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Commander of the Air Force, Lt Gen Charles Okidi, congratulated the officers for their sacrifice and commitment.

“You’ve been trained to operate in any environment,” said Lt Gen Okidi. “As middle-level commanders, always fight with integrity. Integrity first, integrity always. With it, you can reach the highest peak.”

He encouraged the officers to continue improving themselves in a rapidly changing global environment and challenged them to meet and exceed the expectations of the institution and the public.

The Commandant of SCSC, Brig Gen Michael Kabango, also congratulated the graduates and praised the defence fraternity for its continued support to the college. He noted that the course was designed to prepare commanders for the complexities of contemporary and future operations, which often go beyond traditional military boundaries.