President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised and thanked the Russian government for the assistance rendered towards Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
Museveni made the remarks on Thursday while passing out UPDF troops who completed Armoured Basic Crew Course at Armoured Warfare Training School (AWTS) in Mubende District.
“I want to thank the Russian Government for exhibiting a spirit of friendship to the Ugandan Government that has enabled the UPDF to receive both equipment and training support. Putting to use all the acquired knowledge this will help us to have a better the UPDF institution,” said Museveni.
He also hailed the UPDF leadership for preserving the environment at the training school and said there are plans to better accommodation facilities in all military barracks. In the same spirit, he advised civilians to stop encroaching on UPDF land, saying the act puts the Force in a compromising state.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen David Muhoozi also applauded the trainers urging that there is an improvement in UPDF training and promised to maintain it.
He said, “We have been able to cope with the ever-changing training requirements. This has made UPDF better than before. However, I urge the graduands to maintain their loyalty to the country and the UPDF, observe discipline, and ensure a healthy living so that you can effectively execute your constitutional duties.”
Brig Deus Sande, the Commandant of AWTS, lauded the instructors, especially the Russian experts, for being committed and reliable to the cause of transforming the UPDF.
The course duration was one-year training on T-90, T-72 and T-55 tanks. The trainees also acquired skills on the application of Infantry Fighting Vehicles, both tracked and wheeled.
According to the Chief Instructor Col Jackson Kajuba, the course aimed at building the capacity of tank operators to reinforce armoured formations in the UPDF.
Also in attendance was the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties Lt Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Wilson Mbadi, UPDF Commander Land Forces Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, Commander Air Forces Lt Gen Charles Lutaya, Commander Special Forces Command Maj Gen James Birungi, Chief of Staff Land Forces Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, and the Chief of Training and Recruitment Brig James Kinalwa.
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