The Deputy Commander Land Forces Major General Francis Takirwa has urged soldiers to ensure the safety and security of Ugandans since the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces has developed its operational capacity to tackle both territorial and regional threats.
He made the remarks during the pass out of over 555 troops including 180 females who completed a three-month refresher course at the 3 Infantry Division headquarters, Moroto Barracks.
Maj Gen Takirwa encouraged the troops to take responsibility and prepare to take up new assignments. He added that the additional skills attained and exhibited during field demonstration exercises remain a clear testimony of better operational performance. “The best Non-Commissioned Officers who performed exceptionally well should be followed up and nurtured further to take up bigger roles in units,” Maj Gen Takirwa advised.
He advised the troops to ensure the three core elements of humanity which are also important in the soldiering career which include; maintenance of conscious discipline, patience and commitment to enable them to prevail through tasks.
Maj Gen Takirwa commended the Division Commander and the joint security forces for the continued cooperation and coordination of disarmament operation together with the local leadership of the Karamoja sub-region to consolidate the achievements.
Maj Gen Don William Nabasa, the 3 Division Commander pointed out that the intent of conducting a refresher course in the formation was to enhance the troops’ capacity and customise them to the Karamoja operational environment.
He urged the soldiers to be loyal, patient, and love their job. He cautioned the soldiers against desertion and to desist from lobbying for a soft landing.
The Division Operations and Training Officer, Col James Barigye Rukundo, said that the trainees had enhanced their military skills, and knowledge and were ready to effectively execute their responsibilities.
Col Rukundo thanked the Commander Land Forces, and Chief of Training and Recruitment for their continued support and strategic guidance on operations and training matters.
Soldiers who performed exceptionally were recognized and awarded with gifts.
The training package emphasized but was not limited to marksmanship and weapon handling, minor tactics, political education and health education among others.
Present were: Resident District Commissioner ( Moroto) Mr. Wopuwa George William, Deputy Division Commander Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, Assistant Commissioner of Police Francis Chemusto, Brigade Commanders, Senior and Junior officers of UPDF, Uganda Police Force, Internal Security Organization and Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) among others.
