The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, UPDF, 3 Infantry Division passed out 106 Artillery soldiers in Moroto District on May 9, 2026.
The soldiers, under the 106 Artillery Brigade, were commissioned after completing a specialised course on light artillery systems at the UPDF 3rd Division Headquarters in Moroto.
Speaking at the ceremony, 3 Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Wilberforce Sserunkuma underscored the importance of vigilance, discipline, and proper handling of military equipment. He urged the soldiers to remain committed to their duty of safeguarding the country.
‘You are here because of the country, so take good care of your weapons so they can also take care of you,’ he said.
Maj. Gen. Sserunkuma cautioned soldiers against joining specialised units such as artillery solely for financial incentives. He pointed to the 1985 liberation struggle, saying the National Resistance Army fought out of conviction and patriotism long before stable salaries were introduced.
He emphasised the importance of ideological clarity and patriotism among the graduates, urging them to remain steadfast in the UPDF’s core mission of protecting wananchi and their property, while placing national interest above personal considerations.
Brig. Gen. Allan Kyangungu, the Deputy Commander of the Division, congratulated the soldiers for maintaining discipline throughout the training programme.
The Commander of the 106 Artillery Brigade, Col. Joseph Patrick Ocen, said the training focused on light artillery systems and marked the beginning of a broader modernisation initiative within the brigade.
‘We have several calibres of weapons which we intend to train all our men on,’ Col. Ocen said.
During the ceremony, outstanding trainees were recognised for exceptional performance. Private Atuyambe Scholar was named the overall best student, while Private Abenegu Saturday emerged as the best in class. Sgt Luwum Santos was recognised as the best in field exercises, and WO1 Lokiyol Andrew received the award for the most disciplined student.
The pass-out ceremony featured a combined graduation drill and a field exercise code-named ‘Last Fire,’ held at Nakiloro, Rupa Sub-county in Moroto. It was attended by senior division leadership, including brigade commanders, the Commandant of the School of Artillery and Air Defence, SAAD, Olilim, and senior and junior officers of the division.