The President of the Republic of Uganda and Commander in Chief of the UPDF His Excellency Gen Yoweri K Museveni has urged defence forces to embrace the concept of using combined arms while conducting any combat operations.
President Museveni revealed this while officiating at the pass-out of 543 graduands who had successfully completed the Armoured Crew Course Level 3, Intake 06 20/21 at Armoured Warfare Training School (AWTS) in Karama, Mubende District on 19 November 2021.
He said a combination of tanks, artillery, Infantry, airforce and intelligence, among others; automatically wins any war.
He gave the example of security CCTV cameras which can be used to augment intelligence in uncovering crime.
The President commended commanders for training the armoured crew within Uganda, saying the development saves money which would otherwise be spent abroad.
The Commander in Chief was impressed with the infrastructural development at the school, which include the modern pavilion at Karama knoll which is the view point for armour equipment tactical demonstrations, dormitories and lecture rooms. He said these will enrich the current drive to building a more professional army.
He, however, urged commanders to preserve the environment by desisting from deforestation. “Karama means the land of Emirama trees which are indigenous to this area and important for environmental conservation. Am happy that you have preserved them and even planted other species like pine, ” he observed.
The President issued a strong directive that no one should ever cut trees for any purpose in Kabamba and Karama now and in the future.
The President also warned all individuals and groups engaging in terrorist acts in the country that they will be perish because the security forces are much stronger now and better technology like CCTV cameras.
He congratulated the graduands upon successful completion of the one year course and implored them to engage in income generating activities, be patriotic, preserve discipline and good health.
Speaking at the same function, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Wilson Mbadi commended the President for transforming and professionalising the Defence Forces.
He noted that the country still faces challenges ranging from terrorism, cyber threats, organised crime, in addition to other non traditional threats. “The ADF, Cooperation for Development of Congo (CODECO), LRA, among others; continue to threaten national security, noted the CDF.
Gen Mbadi further noted that such threats call for prioritization and continuous capacity building to enhance combat readiness through training, equipping and armament, among others.
He urged graduands to practice the acquired skills and knowledge, maintain discipline and good health.
The Commandant Of the Armoured Warfare Training School (AWTS) Karama Col Jackson Kajuba, congratulated the newly passed out armoured crew and thanked the UPDF fraternity for the support accorded to the school to conduct the training amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic.
He thanked the President for prioritizing training as a basis for capacity building within the UPDF. Col Kajuba added that the introduction of the Presidential Support Resolving Fund (PSF) has supported spouses to engage in different agricultural activities; hence reducing the burden on soldiers’ salaries.
Armoured crew course Intake 06 20/21 studied the following subjects: armour gunnery, armour combat driving, armour design and maintenance, armour communication and tactics, political education, map reading and drills, among others.
The course aimed at imparting the required skills to trainees so that they can operate and maintain armoured equipment in the UPDF.
The Pass Out was also attended by the Special Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security, Lt Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso, Deputy Commander Airforces Maj Gen Tumusiime Kasigazi, Commander I Division Maj Gen Sam Kawagga, 2 Division Commander Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, Chief Political Commissar Maj Gen Henry Masiko, Chief of Training and Recruitment Brig Gen Matthew Gureme, RDC Mubende Ms Nyakwera Baguma among other General Officers and senior officers of UPDF and sister security agencies including Uganda Police and Prisons.