By KT Reporter
At least 500 recruits of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Air Force (UPDAF) have graduated after completing a one-year course.
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has extolled the graduates for choosing to serve army. Gen Muhoozi praised the significant strides made by the UPDF Air Force during a graduation ceremony at the Uganda Air Force College.
He reflected on UPDF evolution, noting that what began as a guerrilla force without an air capability is now transforming into one of Africa’s most promising air forces.
Gen Muhoozi emphasised the importance of excellence, urging pilots to master every aspect of their aircraft and challenging them to rank among the best on the continent.
According to the Defence Public Information Office, headed by Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, more than 500 trainees have graduated, including pilots, pilot instructors, aircraft operators, and engineers. UPDF said they are now equipped to contribute to the UPDF’s professionalisation drive.
Gen Muhoozi used the same event to reiterate his warning against the misuse of UPDF funds, noting that there will be no mercy for the corrupt.
In the last six weeks, Gen Muhoozi has arrested several senior army officers, including Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels and Majors, over corruption and fake intelligence.
All the arrested senior and junior military officers are waiting for the full resumption of the General Court Martial.
However, the Parliament gave the General Court Martial a new breath when they passed the amendment in May, and President Yoweri Museveni has since assented to it. The trial of civilians and military officers facing capital offences, which had been quashed by the Supreme Court, will soon resume.
Gen Muhoozi also commissioned several infrastructure projects and housing units for the soldiers. Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi, Commander of the Air Force, thanked the CDF for his leadership in advancing Uganda’s air capabilities.
Also, Brig. Gen. James Muhwezi, Commandant of the Uganda Air Force College, said the graduates are more than ready to serve and acknowledged the CDF’s support in infrastructure development at the training facility.
The graduation of the 500 UPDAF recruits comes on the heels of the UPDF fighter jet crash in Mogadishu on Wednesday morning, killing at least five personnel-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
