Somali National Army Recruits Commended For Prioritizing To Defend Their Country

The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohammed has today applauded Somali National Army recruits for choosing to defend their country and its people, among other options.

This was contained in a speech read by the Somali Government Minister of Defence Hon Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur on behalf of the Somali President during the pass-out of SNA recruits at the Special Mission Training Center (SMTC) Wing Two, Butiaba in Wantembo barracks, Bulisa district.

The over 2000 recruits had successfully completed their Special Basic Military Training Course Intake 02/23. “We celebrate your commitment to prioritizing to defend your country and reinforcing our army, ” he said, adding that “your sacrifices will all be cherished.”

The President urged trainees to remain loyal and defend Somalia, noting that the people of Somalia will forever be grateful for the action taken by the newly trained recruits. “What awaits you isn’t going to be easy and Somalia still needs and is already waiting for you,” President Hassan warned SNA recruits.

He, however, commended the Ugandan Government and other Partners for standing with Somalia in its pursuit for peace and stability. “These graduates will carry your spirits into our history,” he concluded his message to invited guests, UPDF General Officers and Militants.

Speaking at the same ceremony, the Uganda Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja lauded SNA recruits for being resilient and determined which culminated in today’s graduation.

He noted that their sacrifices and commitment will enhance regional peace and stability. “I urge to make the most of what you learned and remain focused on the special mission of Pan Africanism as a foundation for social economic transformation in both countries,” he told SNA recruits.

The Chief of Defence Forces Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi commended SNA for taking up the mantle to defend their own country, adding that there can be no development without security.

Brig Gen Abbas Amin Ali, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces for the SNA, told recruits that the knowledge acquired is for the defence of their nation and not for their own consumption.

The Commandant of SMTC Lt Col George Stephen Eyaku congratulated recruits and urged them to defend their country diligently.

He further urged them to remain good ambassadors.

Trainees acquired skills in basic military tactics, cordon and search, range shooting, and skills at arms, among others.

Today’s graduation was also attended by the RDC for Bulisa district Mr. Byaruhanga Steven, Woman MP for Bulisa Norah Bigirwa, delegates from Somalia and religious leaders.

Others were: Chief of Training and Recruitment Brig Gen Mathew Gureme, Chief of Personnel and Administration Brig Gen James Kinalwa, Commandant Military Police Brig Gen William Bainomugisha and other General Officers and Militants.