Museveni Passes Out 413 UPDF Officers in Advanced Warfare Training
UPDF Graduates Master Advanced Armor Warfare Skills at Kabamba Academy
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Mubende District, Uganda – A total of 413 Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) personnel have successfully completed an intensive six-month advanced military warfare course at the Uganda Military Academy – Kabamba, located in the Mubende District. The graduating class comprises 74 Armor platoon commanders, 122 Armor technicians, and 217 Armor crews, all trained in cutting-edge warfare skills and tactics.
President Museveni Commends Graduates, Emphasizes Strategic Defence Packaging
During the graduation ceremony, President Yoweri museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, extended his congratulations to the graduates for their swift mastery of tank equipment and advanced military strategies.
“I want to congratulate the graduates for learning quickly in six months where you mastered this equipment of tanks in the four courses that have been mentioned here. I want to congratulate you and pass you out today,” President Museveni stated.
The President further tasked the newly trained officers with the crucial duty of ensuring comprehensive packaging of defense capabilities within their military operations. He underscored the dual nature of warfare, describing it as “an old science and an old art.”
“Science in the form of equipment and art in the way you are organised and utilise the equipment. science always influences the association and the tactics,” he elaborated, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between technological advancements and strategic deployment.
Adapting to Evolving Threats in Armor Defense
President Museveni also issued a stern warning to the graduates, urging them to remain vigilant and adaptable to the evolving threats facing armor defense technologies. He specifically pointed to the advancements in air power and the increasing prevalence of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as significant challenges that require a proactive approach.
“The tank has new threats like the air force which has been improving and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), so we need to understand the packaging of capacity,” he cautioned, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation and strategic counter-measures.
Personal and Professional Conduct: A Call for Discipline and Integrity
Beyond military prowess, President Museveni stressed the importance of personal well-being and professional integrity among the UPDF ranks. He urged the officers to prioritize their health and avoid detrimental habits such as excessive alcohol consumption or drug abuse.
“Love yourself so that you don’t die of diseases, alcohol or drugs. You shoudl remain healthy,” he advised. Furthermore, he extended this sentiment to their equipment, stating, “you must also love your equipment because if you don’t look after it well, especially if you are corrupt, when war comes you will die.” He unequivocally declared that corrupt soldiers are enemies of both the military and the nation.
UPDF Modernization and Professionalization Efforts
The President reaffirmed the UPDF’s ongoing commitment to modernization and lauded the army’s leadership for their dedication to professionalizing the force. He expressed satisfaction with the progress in welfare, training, and infrastructure progress, noting the ongoing construction of barracks and training facilities.
The deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt.gen. Sam Okiding, echoed these sentiments, revealing that the UPDF is actively upgrading all military training facilities to centers of excellence. He confirmed that 14 such facilities, including the Uganda Military Warfare Academy – Kabamba, have already achieved this status. Lt. Gen. Okiding also cautioned the armor trainees to maintain precision, competence, and to shun any delusive behaviors or lifestyles.
Brig. Gen. Peter Chandia, Commandant of the Armored Warfare Training School – Karama, detailed the graduates’ acquired skills, stating thay are proficient in mechanized warfare and the fundamentals of firepower mobility. He affirmed their readiness to skillfully employ mechanized resources in contemporary battle spaces.
The ceremony concluded with the recognition of outstanding students who demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the rigorous training program.