The Joint Chief of Staff of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Major General Leopold Kyanda has re-echoed the importance of political education towards the success of UPDF. Maj Gen Kyanda said this as he led the Chief of Defence Forces units mobilisation drives to interact with officers and men of Special Forces Command at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe.
“You know the strength of the UPDF and how we have survived where others have failed. We have been successful where they have failed because of the correct political line. That would not have been possible if we did not have a great leader,” Maj Gen Kyanda said.
The Joint Chief of Staff reiterated that the mobilisation drive was put in place to deepen the ideological orientation of the troops in line with the UPDF Code of Conduct. He observed that CDF deemed it fit to have an engagement with the forces to reflect and remind themselves of the importance of political education, which is the centre of gravity of the UPDF.
Gen Kyanda reminded the troops of the critical leadership the President Yoweri Museveni has provided towards the liberation of the country. He said it took a brave man to be able to endure and with a lot of faith to venture into areas that were not familiar to him until he was able to liberate the country.
Speaking during the same occasion, the SFC Commander, Brig Gen David Mugisha thanked the CDF for initiating and implementing the mobilisation drive which is aimed at increasing ideological awareness and creating frameworks that liberate the minds of members of the UPDF.
“The exercise also reminds us of our mandate as enshrined in article 209 of the Constitution which is to preserve, defend, co-operate, foster harmony and engage in productive efforts in order to facilitate socio-economic transformation of Uganda,” Gen Mugisha asserted.
The Chief of Training and Recruitment, Brig Gen Matthew Gureme applauded the officers and militants for their tremendous work of maintaining peace and stability for the country, saying this wouldn’t have been possible without their patriotic sacrifices and Ideological conviction and clarity. He reminded them that knowledge and efficiency in doing one’s work, proficiency, obedience to command and loyalty are key principles of a professional soldier.
The UPDF Director of Operations Other Than War (DOOW) Col Chris Ogumelaki said the foundation of NRA was laid on the principle of pro-people and this made it possible for it to succeed because of its clear leadership, professionalism, self sacrifice and adherence to the revolutionary methods of work.
The Chief Executive Officer of Wazalendo Sacco (WASACCO), Col John Freddy Onata said the UPDF has designed welfare programs that include the provision of food, clothing, accommodation, medical and gradual salary enhancement. He asked the troops not to succumb to unnecessary family pressures but to learn financial literacy skills, seek knowledge and information and proper management of expenditure.
The SFC soldiers appreciated the UPDF leadership for the timely interaction because this gives them the opportunity to hear from leaders from the strategic level. They asked for such interactions to be conducted quarterly so that questions that can not be answered by respective formations can be ably dealt with by those from the headquarters.
Other members on CDF mobilisation team for the c Central region include the Deputy Commander SFC, Brig Gen Charity Bainababo, Commandant Military Police Brigade, Brig Gen William Beinomugisha, Deputy Commander Air Force, Brig Gen Stephen Kiggundu, Col Frank Mukula and Lt Col Arthur Muhimbura.
