Lt Gen. Okidi Tips Cadets On Building Successful Military Careers

What the report says

Lieutenant General Charles Okidi, the Commander of the Air Force, has told officer cadets in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to build their careers on patience, discipline, professional competence and integrity as they prepare for commissioning. According to Watchdog Uganda, he made the remarks at the Uganda Military Academy in Kabamba while giving a lecture on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

The article says Okidi used his own 36 years in military service to encourage the cadets to think of the armed forces as a calling rather than a job. Speaking under the theme “The Long March of a Flying Commander,” he described the need for continuous self-development, sound judgment and accountability as officers rise through the ranks. He also referred to his experience as a pilot and said he had flown four different aircraft types, including planes used for presidential transport.

Okidi also warned the cadets not to become fixated on rank or to measure their progress against others. Instead, he urged them to stay focused on duty and remain patient with career advancement. Watchdog Uganda reported that 278 officer cadets are expected to be commissioned next week, marking their transition into the officer corps of the UPDF. The guidance comes at a key moment for the cadets as they prepare to enter formal command responsibilities.