“Training Is For Utilisation,” Says Brig Gen Bagonza As 105 Officers Graduate From Junior Staff College
Brig Gen Chris Bagonza, the Chief of Staff Land Force (COS-LF), today officiated as chief guest during the pass-out of Grade III Staff Course Intake 39/26 at the Junior Staff College in Jinja.
Speaking during the pass-out, Brig Gen Bagonza noted that the day marks a milestone that reflects several months of hard work, sacrifice, dedication, critical thinking and intellectual growth.
He commended the Chief of Defence Forces and Special Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations (CDF and SPA/SO) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for making training a priority in the transformation of the UPDF into a modern army.
“Training is for utilisation,” he noted, adding that the skills acquired will be needed somewhere when duty calls.
Brig Gen Bagonza remarked that the exercise strengthens professional competency and sharpens an officer’s ability to operate under dynamic and demanding operational environments.
The course also instils values of teamwork, resilience and strategic thinking abilities to operate under new and emerging situations.
To the graduands, he reminded them that the course is not the end of learning but the beginning of bigger responsibilities.
He also urged them to be exemplary, respect themselves and nurture others for continuity of the force.
He said: “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.”
The COS-LF also implored graduands to be loyal and continue guarding the peace and stability in the country and beyond.
He further urged them to help in the transformation of society by encouraging communities to take advantage of income-generating activities like the Parish Development Model and other government programmes tailored to eliminate poverty.
“Get involved in productive activities,” he stressed, further urging them to serve with honour, humility, courage and professionalism.
He mentioned that the presence of poverty in certain areas saw the emergence of the ADF which manipulated the situation.
“By manipulating poor communities, ADF came to fruition,” he observed, hence the need to fight poverty.
He concluded by declaring the closure of the course and urging officers to adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) against Ebola disease as issued by the Ministry of Health. “Ebola is real and is with us,” he ended.
The Commandant of the Junior Staff College, Brig Gen Chris Ogwal, commended the defence leadership for supporting the course and congratulated the new graduating officers for successfully completing the course, which is hinged on discipline, determination and commitment to professional excellence.
He commended the CDF for continuously supporting training of officers at tactical and operational levels, adding that the collective efforts from the defence leadership made their work easier.
He said their accomplishment reflects not only individual effort and perseverance but also readiness to assume greater responsibilities in service to the defence forces and the nation.
He added that all 105 graduating officers, including 16 female officers, demonstrated dedication, professionalism and commitment to duty throughout the training period.
“The completion of Grade III Staff Course marks a significant milestone in the professional growth and military development of every graduate,” he said, adding that the course equips officers with the ability to perform confidently in both combat operations and operations other than war, through judgement, proper coordination and adaptability.
To the graduands, the Commandant urged them to take pride in their achievements, remain confident and continuously apply the knowledge and skills gained from the course.
He also encouraged them to carefully analyse information for proper decision-making. “Always be honest and avoid misuse of resources,” he implored graduands.
Prizes and attendance
The function closed with the award of certificates and prizes to officers with exemplary performance.
Best in Leadership was Maj VB Bwambale while Acting Maj Andrew Opus emerged Best Overall.
The graduation was also attended by Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso, the Chief of Staff at the Uganda Rapid Capability Centre, Brig Gen Michael Ssozi Ssesanga, the Commandant Non-Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) at Gaddafi Barracks, representatives from sister security forces, directing staff, senior and junior officers and families of graduands, among others.
