The Deputy Commander of the Land Forces, Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa has challenged soldiers to refrain from negligent tendencies that can easily be manipulated by enemy forces.
Takirwa was speaking at the graduation of 614 instructors, who underwent a eight months’ leadership training course at the Non-commissioned Officers’ Academy-NCOA on Thursday in Jinja City.
The instructors from different units within UPDF have been re-tooled in Military law, political education, methods of instruction, skills at arms, map use, foot training, and physical education, among others.
They also acquired tactical gun skills in dynamic shooting, selective shooting, VIP protection, and shooting at moving enemies and static enemy forces respectively.
Takirwa said that enemy forces normally use weaknesses of negligence to the force’s capabilities to strike back and soldiers ought to be constantly abreast with these skills to be able to trample over their contenders at all times.
He noted that UPDF has over time improved the teaching methods and human resource development, therefore, beneficiaries of the training ought to better their skills as a form of self-care daily since no one can predict the time when the enemy forces will strike.
Brig. Alex Olupot, the Joint Chief of Staff for Training and Doctrine hailed NCOA for shaping quality leadership capabilities among the troops, which is demonstrated in their performance within their respective units after completing training sessions at different levels.
Olupot insists that soldiers have continued to exhibit tactical skills necessary for the successful execution of any military operation and their abilities can be easily seen through deployments within the force’s units.
Meanwhile, the commandant of NCOA, Col. Saad Katemba challenged user units to always authorize their troops for mentorship and retooling opportunities whenever called upon, as a means of enabling individual officers to excel in their military careers.
Katemba further raised the challenge of limited training space and infrastructure, which affects the students’ enrollment numbers at NCOA. “Other schools have been established in Gaddafi barracks overtime, warranting us to share the existing facilities, which has over reduced training space and dormitory infrastructure for the students enrolled at NCOA,” he says.
Katemba suggested that the force’s leadership should look for new space to foster NCOA’s expansion to accommodate standard training grounds and standard infrastructure.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum