President Yoweri Museveni has commended Officers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Masaka-based Armoured Brigade for their initiative that has led to the manufacturing of de-iodized water and liquid soap.
The manufactured products will be used for cleaning the army’s military hardware.
“I am very glad that you people have started making de-iodized water and liquid soap. This is very good but you should beef up your team with chemists as the items you are handling are explosive,” he urged.
President Museveni who is also Commander-in-Chief of the army made the remarks on Sunday April 7, 2019 while visiting the Masaka Armoured Brigade Headquarters.
He interfaced with Senior Army Officers and soldiers in Kasijjagirwa village and also commissioned a new facility at the barracks – Kaguta Officers Mess – on top of planting a tree and visiting the stall where the products of the Brigade were displayed.
Maj. Charles Lubega, the Commanding Officer for the Armour Maintenance Unit explained that they are at a small-scale production of the de-iodized water for battery topping and liquid soap that will be used for cleaning their equipment. He added that they plan to increase their production and supply their sister units with the products. He noted that this will cut costs by half when purchasing the same items from the open market.
On the other hand, Gen. Museveni explained to Senior Officers the genesis of the Armies from the time of traditional chiefs and the colonialists to the post colonial times adding that all Armies had a mission.
He said the liberation army of today has a specific mission of solving the needs of the people as opposed to the former forces that were serving the interest of chiefs and colonialists and whose characteristics were sectarian, anti-people, coupled with tribal arrogance and ignorance on science and were unwilling to learn.
The president also explained that the needs of the people are peace, education, roads, electricity, health, wealth and job creation along with markets for their products. He noted that some of the needs, such as peace in the country, have been fully addressed and others are being worked on. He, however, pointed out that most of the needs are money consuming, necessitating their provision to the level of wealth creation so as to ensure food and financial security as well as prosperity for the people.
