Gen Paul Lokech’s son graduates at UPDF’s Kaweweta military training school

The son to the late Gen Paul Lokech has graduated at the Basic Military Training School, Kaweeweeta in Nakaseke district.

Robin Lokech Junior was on Tuesday among the 774 officer cadets who  were commissioned by President Museveni who is also the commander in chief of the UPDF after successfully completing their one year training course at Kaweweta.

Of the 774, 28 were from Tanzania and Mali.

Speaking during the function, President Museveni congratulated the new officers upon successful completion of  their training course.

“In our training here, we try to expose all the trainees to the realities of combat. In the past they used to separate phases of training but when we discussed we decided that at an early stage, the officer should be exposed to the multidimensional nature of warfare, that is why I hear that you went to Kalama for a combined arms exercise. That is what I advised them. I said let them know from the very beginning the wider combination of arms,” he said.

He  cautioned the officers against  regarding the army as a job but a responsibility to defend a country.

“We started as student movement in the 1960s, then when Idi Amin came, we became a resistance movement and during that time Mwalimu Nyerere was supporting us and it was easy to support us because we didn’t ask for a salary,” he noted.

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba said the commissioned officers have been groomed so well and they are future leaders of the army.

“I know how hard you have all worked over the past year and I hope you are proud of your achievements,” he said.

“This moment marks a significant milestone in your military careers. Having attended and survived a commissioning course like this 25 years ago, I think I have an idea of what you have gone through,” he added.

Gen. Muhoozi also reminded the officers that as they step into their roles, they should remember that leadership is not merely a position but a profound responsibility which they must fulfill.

He further cautioned the officers against staining their names with evils of corruption, cowardice and treachery.

Lokech Junior

Having graduated as an officer cadet and is now a Second lieutenant in the UPDF, Lokech Jr is now on course to emulate the heroics of his late dad, Gen Paul Lokech, nicknamed the Lion of Mogadishu because of his exploits in Somalia and dislodging Al Shabaab from the country’s capital.

Gen Lokech’s exploits were seen everywhere he worked including the UPDF and police.

Speaking during the late’s burial, President Museveni said Gen Lokech who at the time of his death in 2021 was the deputy Inspector General of Police  was a rare breed who  succeeded where many failed.

“I, personally, as Commander-in-Chief, either heard of or worked closely with Lokech three times, where he did meritorious service.  On one occasion, I was in Gulu with the anti-LRA operations.  I was informed that there was a commander that routinely fought through LRA ambushes in the area between Atanga and Acholibur,”Museveni said.

“One of those measures (to fight crime) was the installation of the cameras.  These cameras, make the work of fighting insecurity very easy.  However, that is on condition that there are serious commanders and operators that are available for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to use the cameras.  Until Lokech went to the Police, that was, apparently, not the case. Camera monitoring personnel would be playing cards (matatu), on social-media, etc. That is how crime would not be easily detected in spite of the presence of the cameras and other investigative means.  The short time Lokech was in the Police, that all changed.  Whenever there are security threats, I always get involved directly.  With Lokech, it was so easy because I found an eager student in this policing job that was new to him.  What is crucial is the attitude of care for the people and the country.”

President Museveni  hailed Gen Lokech for being a clean officer who served his country with honour.

“I have not heard that Lokech was involved in selling army fuel which, sometimes, is a mistake that ruins the contribution of brave commanders. You cannot say that you are a brave commander but you sell Army fuel. How will the Army fight in modern war without fuel? It is bravery in nullity. You cannot be brave and corrupt because corruption will lead to our defeat by lacking what to use because it has been sold by our “brave” commander,” Museveni said.