Former Tanzanian President Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere and Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso, senior presidential adviser on defense and security, were honored Thursday for their contributions to Uganda’s 1981-1986 bush war that brought the National Resistance Army and Movement to power.
The recognition came during the hybrid pass-out ceremony for the 18th Intake (2025/2026) of recruits at the UPDF Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District.
The ceremony was presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Held both physically and virtually, it brought together recruits trained at the Kaweweta, Ruhengyere and Butyaba military training schools.
A total of 11,948 recruits successfully completed their basic military training, including 1,741 recruits from the Central African Republic (CAR), who trained alongside their Ugandan counterparts.
During the ceremony, the UPDF recognised exceptional recruits for outstanding performance in various areas of training. Amanya Salwa emerged as the best overall recruit, while Tasi Chrispas, Opoka Richard, Nashemeza Michelle and Frank Loko were also honoured for excellence in their respective categories.
The awards were named after distinguished leaders whose service has significantly contributed to Uganda’s security, military development and regional liberation efforts. They included President Museveni, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso.
President Museveni has on several occasions paid tribute to Mwalimu Nyerere for his unwavering support to Uganda’s liberation movements and his pivotal role in promoting regional peace and stability. Likewise, Lt. Gen. Nalweyiso is widely recognised for her pioneering and strategic role during the NRA bush war. She is celebrated as East Africa’s first female star general and remains the highest-ranking female officer in the UPDF.
Presenting the outstanding recruits, the Chief Instructor of the UPDF Basic Military Training School–Kaweweta, Col. Joseph Okello, said the awards were intended to honour exemplary performance while preserving the legacy of distinguished leaders.
“Your Excellency, Sir, I am here to present to you the five recruits who excelled in various fields during the training. These awards are named after distinguished leaders and guests from Uganda and East Africa whose contributions continue to inspire excellence,” Col. Okello said.
Award Winners:
- Order of the Commander-in-Chief Award (Best Overall Recruit): Amanya Salwa
- Chief of Defence Forces Award (Best Field Performance): Tasi Chrispas
- Order of the Queen Award (Best Academic Performance): Opoka Richard
- Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso Award (Best Female Recruit): Nashemeza Michelle
- Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Award (Best Allied Recruit): Frank Loko
