President Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), has passed out 229 army recruits who successfully completed their basic military training at Sera-Kasenyi Training School intake 08/2022–23.
Speaking at the function on Saturday, the President congratulated the Special Forces Command (SFC) for upgrading the level of training in the elite unit by incorporating the use of electronic training aids like computerized guns and tanks before going for field practical.
“This is very smart. It enables us to train many people but also not use a lot of fuel or cause wear and tear on the tanks or the guns because you are doing it electronically. That’s what many modern countries are doing. So, I congratulate you for upgrading the training in the SFC,” Gen. Museveni said.
He also thanked the trainers for integrating the use of combined arms to improve the tactics of fighting.
The President called upon the army leadership to make good use of these well-educated young people, such as engineers and medical doctors, who he said are a good value addition to the army.
“So, you, the army leaders, should be clear how you use them. It is correct that after the basic exposure to the military, they join the brigades of their profession,” Museveni noted, calling upon the trainees not to misuse the chance to serve their country.
The Commandant of Sera-Kasenyi Training School, Lt. Col. William Ndyomugabe, noted that of the 229 trainees, 35 are female.
He added that trainees are well educated, with 3 holding master’s degrees, 115 with bachelor’s degrees in various disciplines, 32 with diplomas, 24 holding certificates, and the remaining 55 having S.6 and S.4 certificates.
He said these were taken through leadership training, tactics, political education, first aid, physical training, and foot drills, among others.
“Your Excellency, the exercise objectives were achieved,” Lt. Col. Ndyomugabe said.
He also urged the trainees to be disciplined, love their country, Uganda, and protect the people.
“You should always remember that enemies of our country Uganda are not only those carrying guns, but you may also turn yourself into the same category if you don’t avoid subversive tendencies like; corruption, cheap popularity, sectarianism, the formation of cliques, and intrigue, among others,” he further noted.
The Commander of Special Forces Command, Brig. Gen. David Mugisha, expressed gratitude to the Commander in Chief for uplifting the welfare of the UPDF and promised to continue producing high-quality soldiers.
He also noted that the global contemporary operating environment is faced by a lot of challenges ranging from terrorism, chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) attacks, cyber threats, insurgencies, and others that need special attention.
“There’s therefore a need to embark on specialized training and the acquisition of modern equipment so as to deter and curtail such hurdles from happening to our country,” Brig. Gen. Mugisha said.
The Acting Chief of Staff of the UPDF Land Forces, Maj. Gen. Jack Bakasumba, who represented the Chief of Defense Forces, thanked the SFC leadership for prioritizing training. He urged the new recruits to continue acquiring more knowledge and to be disciplined.
“I congratulate you for completing the course, but it’s just the beginning of your career, and we expect the highest standards of discipline from you. Live within your means to avoid financial pressure and stay fit. Also make sure that whatever you do is in line with your profession,” Maj. Gen. Bakasumba said.
The State Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Oleru, thanked the President for his vision to transform the UPDF into a force that is recognised globally because of its capability to handle emerging security threats.
“Thank you for opening the space for ladies to join the forces,” Minister Oleru added.
The function was graced by, among others, the Under Secretary in Charge of Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Edith Buturo; the Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Robert Gonyi; the Deputy Commander, SFC Brig. Gen. Charity Bainababo; senior officers of the UPDF; and religious leaders.
The Special Forces Command (SFC) is a specialized component of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) tasked with carrying out specialized missions or operations at a moment’s notice.
