The Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi has hailed the Motorcross fraternity for the recent event in which they appreciated the armed forces for keeping the country safe and secure.
Gen Muhoozi, at a joint press briefing with leaders of Motocross Uganda, thanked the organisers for giving the UPDF an opportunity to engage more with the civilians through motocross.
Mr Dusman Okee, the president of the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) and the Vice President Motocross Uganda, Mr Barack Orland handed an envelope containing Shs100million as part of the proceeds from the Busiika event.
The CDF suggested that the money should be used for something monumental rather than consumptive. He nominated the Chief of Staff Land forces, Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda to lead the team that will decide on what to do with the cash.
Gen Muhoozi noted that the next motocross event to appreciate the armed forces should be much better to further strengthen the civil-military ties.
“We have to be innovative so that the next event ensures civilians get closer to us and we get closer to them,” said the CDF.
The Tuesday event that took place at the Ministry of Defense Headquarters in Mbuya was also attended by Col Paddy Ankunda, the Director of Strategic Communication and Defence Engagement.
Gen Kyanda hailed the civilians and business people for appreciating the work of the UPDF.
“I want to thank them for understanding that peace doesn’t fall from a tree branch. It is good that they appreciated the sacrifices of the forces because most of our colleagues are permanently disabled while others died,” Gen Kyanda said.
Gen Kyanda noted that the recent event showed that Ugandans love the UPDF, adding that for the riders to come from outside countries such as France, Israel, and DR Congo is a sign that the people appreciate the work of the UPDF.
Indeed, Mr. Okee noted that, as the motocross fraternity, they are happy with the work of keeping the country safe and ensuring an enabling environment for business to flourish.
“We are happy about what we did because we believe in the UPDF as a people’s army and we believe in what they do,” said Mr. Okee.
He thanked the CDF for the idea of the monument to show the unity between UPDF and the civilians.