President Yoweri Museveni on Friday passed out 171 UPDF soldiers who concluded their six months training in counter terrorism warriors course at the School of Military Intelligence (SOMI) in Nakasongola district.
The UPDF spokesperson Lt Col Flavia Byekwaso says the officers were trained in buildup areas in the air, under very strenuous circumstances using both small arms and heavy weapons at short and long distances.
Speaking at the pass out of the graduates, the president said that the training prepares officers for the best at a time when there are many terror threats on the African continent.
“It’s a good beginning for you, don’t lose this chance. One element about fighting is to be sure of yourself. When you are confident of yourself, you can handle any combat situation. I congratulate you upon completing this very difficult course,” Museveni said.
During the pass out ceremony, Museveni also laid a foundation stone at the School Of Military Intelligence (SOMI) and Security at Migyeera, Nakasongola district pledging to support it to completion.
The Chief of Defence Forces Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, congratulated the graduands upon fulfilling their mission course of counter terrorism and thanked President Museveni for the wonderful and strong efforts in boosting and strengthening the Defence capabilities through professionalising both physical and mental combat operations.
He said the course was intended to produce a high level of technical and tactical combat capability in order to excel in any combat operations amidst physical and mental strength.
The Chief Military Intelligence (CMI) Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, thanked the President for professionalising the UPDF institution.
Kandiho is doubtless that the UPDF is soon going to be recognized among the public technological innovaters both at regional and international level.
According to records at SOMI, Pte Twongeirwe Kenneth emerged the overall best student, Pte Imalingat Gabriel was the most professional, Pte Bwambale Rowen was the most disciplined student while Pte Namuhoma Madina was awarded the best female student.
The graduands are fully equipped with counter terrorism superior skills in combating terrorism, violent extremism, cyber threats, politically motivated violence and threats that transcend borders.
Courtesy photos.
