Lieutenant Moses Odongo of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has been awarded a cash prize of Ugx. 10 million after emerging the Most Outstanding Junior Officer at the 2025 Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Awards, a recognition honouring years of exemplary service, discipline and professional excellence.
Lt. Odongo, who serves under 203 Ground-Based Air Defence Regiment, was announced the winner on Friday during the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations held in Kabale District.
According to Major General James Kilwana, UPDF Joint Staff for Human Resource Management, the annual awards are intended to recognise exceptional performance among junior officers and inspire others to excel in their duties.
Lieutenant Odongo emerged top among four shortlisted officers: Captain Andrew Asio Okuth from the School of Defence and Intelligence Security, Lieutenant Shem Bagyiragye, and Major Anthony Kamoga Muwonge, after a rigorous assessment by a panel of serving and retired senior military officers. He scored an impressive 86.71 per cent.
As his name was announced, Odongo stepped forward to receive the cash award and a certificate of appreciation amid applause from fellow officers, marking a proud moment of recognition in his military career.
Born on December 17, 1987, in Abulatun Village, Ongongoja Parish in Katakwi District, Odongo joined the UPDF on October 7, 2013. His journey from rural eastern Uganda to national recognition is dotted with personal sacrifices and commitment that define many soldiers’ lives.
During the same event, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni paid tribute to freedom fighters who lost their lives in the struggle to secure peace and stability in Uganda. He recalled fallen fighters, including James Karambuzi, David Kagoro Kangyire, and Joseph Bitwari, who were killed during the regime of former president Idi Amin in 1973.
Museveni also mentioned other fighters, Karuhanga, Mulimo, Kasolo, Ntare, Nkoko, Namilundu, Labeja, and Obona, who were executed in various parts of the country, including Fort Portal, Mbarara, Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, and Gulu, underscoring the historical significance of Tarehe Sita in Uganda’s journey.
