Gen. David Muhoozi the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has Wednesday flagged off Uganda Battle Group XXVII to Somalia.
Addressing the 1,800 troops commanded by Col Kosiya Kuteesa and deputized by Col Rogers Okiror at Peace Support Operation Training Center, Singo in Nakeseke District, the CDF counseled the combatants to use knowledge they acquired in mission training since September 2018 to professionally conduct their operations bearing in mind that it is a war situation where operational mistakes can lead to loss of lives.
“The Somalia mission is not a picnic; it is a war situation. It is a do and die mission. Watch each other’s back and ensure you adhere to the principles of war and standing operation procedures at all time” Gen Muhoozi said.
Adding that, the mission is built on the UPDF’s pro-people ideology which is part of the reason for the Force’s successes in its operations. “As opposed to the previous perception that the Somalia mission was an impossible one, with discipline and adherence to rules of engagement based on our pro-people ideology, we made the mission possible” he noted.
The CDF urged soldiers to concentrate on their military tasks and not be diverted by unfounded stories being circulated by enemies of the people. He was responding to concerns by soldiers that there were clues that on retirement, their packages would be paid less the salary advances they received during their annual leave. “Get it from me, that is a lie. No one will tamper with your pension. You do not have to worry about that but rather focus on how you can improve your household income so that when you retire you can supplement your pension.” The CDF said.
