Seventy-seven (77) Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) soldiers and officers drawn from the 403 Brigade under the 3rd infantry Division have passed out after successfully completing training on support weapons and Regimental Police duties in Napak District.
The middle-level refresher training for junior officers and other ranks commenced on August 15th, 2022, and ended on October 12th, 2022. The troops attained additional skills in combat support weapons including a 12.7 AAC machine gun, 40 MULTI GRENADE LAUNCHER, and Rocket-Propelled Grenade-RPG launcher among other light support arms.
According to Col. Bernard Tuhame, the 3rd Division Operations, and Training Officer said training is an integral part of the force’s doctrine and the culture through, which discipline and professional standards are achieved.
He urged soldiers to continue practicing what they have learned so as to master the weaponries system. Col Tuhame noted that similar training programs shall continue in order to enhance wholesome troops' combat readiness and operational effectiveness.
He added that the soldiers also demonstrated practical skills in marksmanship at the range ground, protection of Very Important Persons (VIPs), First Aid, and Regiment Police duties among others.
John Baptist Loki, the Member of Parliament for Matheniko County hailed the UPDF for the high level of training and professionalism exhibited. Lokii noted that UPDF is a professional and patriotic army, which explains why it is loved and trusted both nationally and internationally whenever it operates.
John Paul Kodet, the LC V Chairperson of Napak district called for great support and involvement of all stakeholders towards disarmament operations to fully end criminality in the region. Kodet says the joint forces should corporate with the community to double the effort and resources to disarm the remaining illegal firearms, which are still causing havoc in the region.
