President Museveni Urges Armour Tank Fraternity Graduates To Maintain Discipline And Patriotism

Armour Platoon Commanders and Armour Crew graduates have today been reminded to maintain conscious discipline, patriotism and continuous training for the continuity of peace and stability in the country.

This call was made by the President and Commander in Chief of the UPDF H.E Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as he officiated at the pass-out of Armour Platoon Commanders and Armour Crew Courses.

The pass-out at the Armoured Warfare Training School (AWFTS) in Kalama, Mubende district, ushered in 55 Armour Platoon Commanders and 337 Armour Crew troops.

In his remarks, President Museveni congratulated the two batches, noting that their future is bright since they are serving a disciplined and prestigious force. “With discipline, your future is bright,” he said.

He used the analogy of ancient fighting using a shield for protection and an arrow for hitting the enemy, juxtapositioning it with using a tank in modern warfare; which offers mobility, protection and aims at a target.

President Museveni cautioned graduands to be patriotic to maintain stability in the country, explaining that soldiering is a service, not a job because it involves sacrifice. “Work to serve the country. The army is service, don’t look at it as a job,” he said, further adding that continuous training in warfare is also another aspect of the survival of peace. “Study and apply but don’t copy and paste for the success of operations,” President Museveni told graduates.

The President also warned locals against free-range farming and wetland degradation, saying they lead to wastage.

Speaking at the same pass out, the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Hon Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja told trainees that their completion of the course shows love for Uganda.

He reiterated UPDF’s commitment to protect the country and urged them to put to good use what they have learnt.

The Chief of Defence Forces Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi noted that a strong army thrives on discipline, teamwork, patriotism, frugality, and good health, among others.

He noted that a combination of great mobility and firepower builds an effective and efficient force for national security.

Gen Mbadi also said that in modern warfare, mobility and a good operator of a machine determine war success, hence “the machine is the man behind it”.

To the graduates, the Commandant of AWTS – Kalama, Brig Gen Peter Candia warned the armour fraternity against the high affinity for the creation of wealth and leaving luxurious lives.

He encouraged them to be realistic in this ever-changing security environment.

The best trainees were awarded gifts in recognition of their exceptional performance.

Today’s graduation was also attended by: 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, Junior Officers from sister forces, local and religious leaders, among others