The 3 Infantry Division of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) trained and successfully passed out soldiers upon completion of ideological and combat skills training at Morotoe army barracks, in eastern Uganda.
Brig Gen Joseph Balikudembe, the 3 Division Commander, presided over the pass out of one hundred two (102) lower ranks, drawn from major units under the 403 Brigade after completion of twelve (12) weeks of training duration.
“The UPDF military strength stems from the foundation of cadreship development and her strategic allies (people), which you must uphold and respect,” Brig Gen Balikudembe remarked.
He implored the trainees to properly explore and utilize the functionality of unit committees to enhance troops’ welfare.
Brig Gen Balikudembe, who traced his cadreship background since the liberation times, urged the troops to exhibit desired levels of integrity, discipline and loyalty as UPDF no longer entertains ideological disorientation among files and ranks.
“Desist from any soft-landing expectations, never comprise standards and do not spoil UPDF’s hard-earned image,” Brig Balikudembe warned.
Speaking at the same pass-out function, Brig Gen Felix Busizoori, deputy Division Commander explained that regular training fosters uniformity and enhances military efficiency. “You must embrace training because it makes good soldiering and promotes professionalism,” Brig Busizoori said.
He stressed that UPDF has kept moving on the course because of its ideological clarity as opposed to past bankruptcy.
Col Richard Obura Kidega, the 403 Brigade Commander encouraged troops to embrace teamwork and cohesion, adding that forces do not operate in isolation and on an individual basis.
On his part, Maj Charles Wasirwa as Division Political Commissar and course coordinator said the training aimed at enhancing combat skills and deepening ideological orientation core values.
He thanked the Division leadership for the continuous guidance and support. He said course Intake 01/2022-2023, forms a pool of future cadreship.
According to Maj Gerald Akampulira, who represented Col James Barigye Rukundo, the Division Operations and Training Officer (DOTO), the troops covered lessons in tactics, basic cadreship, marksmanship, leadership and Field Craft, among others. He thanked the instructional team for making the program a success.
The training was conducted by internal instructors and facilitated by Generals and senior leaders, both from UPDF’s strategic leadership and senior District officials within the Karamoja Sub-region.
Pte Aguti Peace Maureen was recognized as the overall best soldier while Pte Bigirwa Peter emerged as best in marksmanship.
Others included L/Cpl Ndiwa Patrick who was best in leadership and Pte Mukimba Sarah attained the best female.
Present were: Brigade Commanders, Unit Commanding Officers, SP Musa Kayongo, Operations Officer, ASTU and Key staff officers from Division and Brigade headquarters.