The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) owes its enduring success to three crucial pillars: training, discipline, and ideological thinking, according to Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4 Infantry Division.
Speaking at the opening of the Training of Trainers’ Methods of Instruction Course today at Lugaya Uganda Wildlife training wing in Murchison National Park, Brig Gen Busizoori emphasised the importance of these pillars. ” The army operates on three best pillars, training, discipline and ideological thinking. These have made UPDF stand the test of time, be professional and successful army wherever we operate,” he stated.
Brig Gen Busizoori elaborated on the significance of each pillar. Training, he explained, equips soldiers with essential skills such as marksmanship, manoeuvre tactics, and physical fitness, whilst fostering teamwork and leadership. Discipline enhances the army’s professional conduct and respect within the ranks. Ideological thinking provides guiding principles for revolutionary methods of work and a code of conduct.
“Training helps us conduct our business in an orderly manner, gain fighting skills and teaches us how to support each other. Through discipline respect to superiors equals and subordinates are attained. UPDF has survived for long due to strategic objective with the masses that is why wherever we go we win hearts and minds of the people,” Brig Gen Busizoori affirmed.
Lt Col Micheal Ssempijja, commandant of Lugore military training school and course overseer, explained that the programme aims to produce skilled teaching staff for UPDF institutions. He stressed the importance of realistic training to meet future challenges, considering potential enemies, likely combat conditions, and emerging weapons and techniques.
The Chief Warden of Murchison Falls Conservation Area, Kiiza Fredrick, expressed gratitude for the inclusion of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Rangers in the training. He noted that military knowledge would enhance rangers’ abilities to protect national park flora and fauna.
The course participants include two officers, 93 militants, and seven UWA rangers, selected from the 4 Division headquarters, affiliated units, and UWA.
This comprehensive attendance by high-ranking officers and wildlife officials underscores the importance placed on this training programme and its potential impact on both military operations and wildlife conservation efforts in Uganda.
The opening ceremony was attended by a host of senior military officials, including Col Innocent Tukashaba, the 4 Division Operations and Training Officer; Lt Col Nathan Bainomugisha, 409 Brigade Commander; Lt Col Joseph Igulu, 501 Brigade Commander; and Lt Col Karavin Ojinga, the 503 Brigade Commander. Officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and instructors from Lugole Military Training School were also present, further emphasising the collaborative nature of this training initiative.
