A total of forty-one (41) trainees who were undergoing a maritime basic induction course and twenty-six (26) trainees who were undergoing a coxswain course from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Marine Brigade were today passed out at Ntokoro in Mayuge district.
The Chief of Training and Recruitment, Brigadier General Matthew Gureme who presided over the function thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief for his guidance on skilling and training new soldiers especially those who join the Marines Brigade. He further said the numerous skills that they have acquired will enhance the professionalism of the soldiers in the conduct of their duties.
Brig Gen Gureme commended the Commander of the Marines Brigade for his support and continued follow-up towards accomplishing the mission. He acknowledged his commitment towards establishing the training wing in Ntokoro which he said began from nothing amidst limited resources but can produce skilled marine soldiers.
The CTR said that according to the demonstrations that were showcased, they prove that the marines are professionals who are equipped with skills that can conduct operations on water like combat survival on water, rescue operations, navigation, visit boat search and seizure operations and many others.
Brig Gen Gureme encouraged the newly passed out marines to embrace training because it’s the backbone of a soldier and cautioned them to keep their lives safe because they’re a resource to UPDF otherwise reckless living will destroy their lives.
The Commander Marines Brigade, Brig Gen Michael Nyarwa pointed out that Marines don’t only operate on water but also in the oil and gas sector where security is provided by the Marines.
He informed the chief guest that the Marines are operating alongside the Ministry of Health in transporting patients in hard-to-reach areas like islands which is in line with the President’s vision of providing water ambulances.
Lt Col David Kararira, the Commandant marine training school thanked the UPDF leadership for supporting the training and promised always to produce well-trained marine troops who are ready to conduct marine operations. He assured the CTR that the students can fully operate in line with the UPDF mandate and tasks given.
