By KT Reporters
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, has rallied Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers to fight corruption.
Lt Gen Okiding emphasised that fighting corruption requires collective responsibility and the involvement of individuals like soldiers, warning that: “If we don’t fight it, we shall destroy ourselves. The destruction will start here within the UPDF before it affects the country and the region. Let us remove it—it is not good; it is letting us down.”
The second in command of Uganda’s military was addressing the recently promoted soldiers including two Colonels promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and 17 Lieutenant Colonels promoted to full Colonel.
President Yoweri Museveni who is the Commander-in-Chief (CiC) of all armed forces admitted while presiding over Tarehe Siita celebrations in February this year said that corruption had invaded UPDF and it needed serious efforts to uproot it.
Lt Gen Okiding reminded the newly promoted army officers to take on their new responsibilities with greater commitment. “Apart from enjoying and celebrating, also expect more responsibilities to be handled by you. I am confident and happy that you will manage it very well,” Lt Gen Okiding said.
Brig Gen Paul Wanyera Namawa, the Chief of Staff – Special Force Command (SFC) extolled Museveni on behalf of his colleagues for promoting them and also thanked the President for his leadership which he said reflects in UPDF’s transformation into a professional force.
“This day reminds us of the legacy we inherit from the brave men and women who made immense sacrifices for this country. As we take on the responsibilities of our new ranks, we are acutely aware that leadership is not about authority but service to our country, families, and citizens,” Brig Gen Namawa said.
Brig Gen Namawa urged his fellow officers to embrace their new roles with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to serve Uganda with pride. “I ask my fellow promoted officers to lead with humility, integrity, and excellence, and to uphold the highest standards in all their actions.”
The event was graced by Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff; Maj Gen Francis Okello, Commandant of the National Defence College – Uganda; and Maj Gen Henry Masiko, Joint Staff Political Commissariat; Chief of Staff UPDF Air Force, Brig Gen David Gonyi; Joint Staff Human Resource Management. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
