UPDF unveils fresh 69 Marine Troops after a four-month Induction Course at the Marine Training School in Kalangalo. (UPDF Photo)

WAKISO - The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Marine Brigade has passed out 69 soldiers who completed a four-month Marine Basic Induction Course at the Marine Training School in Kalangalo, Wakiso District.

Presiding over the ceremony, Brig Gen Michael Nyarwa, Commander of the Marine Brigade, on Monday (November 3), applauded the graduates for their discipline, endurance, and determination. 

He described their journey from trainees to professional mariners as a testament to resilience and teamwork.

He revealed that the group "endured the rigorous" sessions, including swimming and combat water survival, mastered navigation and tactics, and "proved that determination and discipline yield success".

A release from the Communications Department of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans' Affairs states that the course, which began on June 30, 2025, focused on equipping trainees with essential maritime skills, including navigation, communication, small boat handling, tactics, intelligence, first aid, physical fitness, and maritime law.

Brig. Nyarwa looks on as students demonstrate on a terrain model. (UPDF Photo)

Emphasing that integrity and character remain the foundation of the UPDF’s professional ethos beyond technical proficiency,  Brig Gen  Nyarwa added;

“Skill without character is a hollow vessel. Uphold the highest standards of self-discipline and ethical conduct. Respect your uniform, your comrades, and the communities you will serve.”

He commended the Commandant, Chief Instructor, Col David Kararira and staff of the Marine Training School for their commitment to building a competent and professional Marine force that is capable of safeguarding Uganda’s waters.

The Commandant of the Marine Training School praised the instructors for maintaining high training standards despite some challenges.

To the graduation class, he said, "finishing this course is a new beginning. Opportunities await those who remain disciplined, focused, and ambitious.”

UPDF fresh 69 Marine Troops pass out after a four-month Induction Course at the Marine Training School in Kalangalo. (Credit: UPDF)

He also recognised the Marine Brigade Command for its continued support in strengthening the school’s capacity, noting its growing role as a vital centre for maritime operations training in Uganda.

The pass-out ceremony was attended by senior and junior UPDF officers, community leaders, parents, guardians, and members of the local community.

The Marine Forces protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda on water. 

Their core task is to patrol Uganda’s territorial waters in order to detect any illegal activity, either in support of operations to detect illegal activity or in support of operations of civil authority.