Lieutenant General Proscovia Nalweyiso, the first female star general in East Africa, has been honoured for her historical contribution to Uganda’s liberation struggle during a massive military graduation ceremony.
The recognition took place during the pass-out ceremony for nearly 12,000 recruits at the UPDF Basic Military Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District.
Lieutenant General Nalweyiso, who currently serves as the senior presidential advisor on defence and security matters, is widely celebrated as the highest-ranking female officer in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces. Her pioneering and strategic role during the 1981–1986 bush war was highlighted as a lasting inspiration for the new generation of soldiers.
To institutionalise her legacy, the military management named a major excellence award after her. The Lieutenant General Proscovia Nalweyiso Award for best female recruit was presented during the ceremony to Nashemeza Michelle for her outstanding performance during the rigorous training cycle.
The graduation event was presided over by President Yoweri Museveni, who serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Held in a hybrid physical and virtual format, the ceremony brought together 11,948 recruits who successfully completed their basic training across the Kaweweta, Ruhengyere, and Butyaba military schools.
The international cohort also included 1,741 recruits from the Central African Republic who trained alongside their Ugandan counterparts as part of regional security cooperation.
The chief instructor of the Kaweweta school, Colonel Joseph Okello, stated that introducing these specific awards was intended to preserve the legacy of distinguished leaders who have shaped Uganda’s military history.
Alongside Lieutenant General Nalweyiso, the late Tanzanian President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere was also honoured for his historical support of regional liberation. His namesake award, the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Award for best allied recruit, was presented to Frank Loko.
Other top individual honours included the Order of the Commander-in-Chief Award for best overall recruit, which went to Amanya Salwa. Tasi Chrispas received the Chief of Defence Forces Award for best field performance, while Opoka Richard took home the Order of the Queen Award for top academic excellence.
