President Museveni Emphasizes Discipline & Patriotism at Armour Platoon Commanders & Armour Crew Graduation

MUBENDE- President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reminded the Armour Platoon Commanders and Armour Crew graduates of the utmost importance of conscious discipline, patriotism, and continuous training for the preservation of peace and stability in our country.

 

The esteemed President and Commander in Chief of the UPDF, Gen Museveni, made the call on Friday during his officiation at the pass-out ceremony of Armour Platoon Commanders and Armour Crew Courses.

 

The graduation took place at the Armoured Warfare Training School (AWFTS) in Kalama, Mubende district, where 55 Armour Platoon Commanders and 337 Armour Crew troops were proudly ushered into their roles.

 

In his address, President Museveni congratulated both batches of graduates, emphasizing that their future is bright as they now serve in a disciplined and prestigious force. “With discipline, your future is bright,” he confidently stated.

 

Using an analogy from ancient warfare, wherein shields provided protection while arrows struck the enemy, President Museveni drew a parallel to modern warfare with the use of tanks, offering mobility, protection, and precise targeting.

 

The President urged the graduates to embrace patriotism as it plays a pivotal role in maintaining stability within the country. He reminded them that being a soldier is not merely a job but a service that demands sacrifice. “Work to serve the country. The army is service, don’t look at it as a job,” he passionately advised. He also stressed the importance of continuous training in warfare, emphasizing that success in operations comes from studying and applying knowledge rather than mindless replication.

 

Moreover, President Museveni addressed concerns about environmental issues. He cautioned against free-range farming and wetland degradation, highlighting their detrimental effects on the environment and resources.

 

At the same pass-out ceremony, the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, expressed his pride in the trainees’ completion of the course, seeing it as an act of love for Uganda. He reaffirmed UPDF’s commitment to protect the country and encouraged the graduates to utilize the skills they have acquired for the greater good.

 

Speaking on the characteristics of a strong army, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, emphasized the significance of discipline, teamwork, patriotism, frugality, and good health, among other traits. He highlighted that a powerful combination of mobility and firepower contributes to an effective and efficient force for national security. Gen Mbadi stressed that success in modern warfare is dependent on the mobility and expertise of the machine operator, stating, “the machine is the man behind it.”

 

Addressing the graduates, the Commandant of AWTS – Kalama, Brig Gen Peter Candia, cautioned the armour fraternity against excessive pursuit of wealth and luxurious living. He encouraged them to remain grounded and realistic in an ever-changing security environment.

 

The ceremony concluded with the recognition of the best-performing trainees, who were awarded gifts in acknowledgment of their exceptional achievements.

 

In addition to President Museveni, other esteemed attendees included the Commander Air Force Lt Gen Charles Okidi, Deputy Commander Land Force Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, Chief Political Commissar Maj Gen Henry Masiko, Chief of Training and Recruitment Brig Gen Matthew Gureme, Chief of Personnel and Administration Brig Gen James Kinalwa, Commandant Military Police Brig Gen William Bainomugisha, as well as Junior Officers from sister forces, local and religious leaders, among others.