Museveni hails UPDF for ‘never complaining about money’

“I congratulate the UPDF for knowing how to use the little that is available. The UPDF and the NRA before it is not like some of our people who complain about not having resources,” said the president.

“Here (at the School of Military Intelligence and Security in Migyera, Nakasongola District) they are staying in tents and not in good houses, but they are able to use improvised structures to produce good quality people.”

“This culture of, ‘we do not have things therefore we cannot start,’ is not part of our system and the UPDF is a good example of this.”

Museveni made these remarks while passing out of 298 Counter Terrorism Warriors of Intake 07/23-24 and 58 trainees of Special Tactics who successfully completed their 9 months of hectic training at military school.

He implored other government agencies to learn from the national army.

“This challenges all these other fellows who are always complaining about money… I thank you the UPDF for this simple living that has enabled us to have a strong army with little resources.”

Museveni added, “Yes, we all need a good life but a good life will come later and through hard work.”

Gen. Museveni on the other hand commended the progress achieved, through the mastery of skills attained and cautioned the graduates on the huge responsibility ahead of them and asked them to ensure that they keep up to the task to fulfil their mandate.

Highlighting the importance of intelligence, President Museveni pledged to boost the school’s infrastructure.

The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs In-charge of Defence, Hon. Nyirabashitsi Sarah Mateke who represented the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, thanked the President for his strategic vision that guarantees National Defence to Ugandans through the continuous training of the army.

The minister further urged the graduates to maintain their commitment, and core values of UPDF.

The Commander of the Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, commended the Ministry of Defence’s support towards the training.

Lt. Gen. Muhanga also congratulated the officers and cautioned them against indiscipline.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS) – UPDF, Maj. Gen. James Birungi, advised the graduates to serve with humility and integrity.