President Museveni presided over the passing out ceremony of 321 officers who completed a number of courses in Armoured Warfare at Karama Armoured Warfare Training Centre.
The president revealed that the need to build a strong, professional Army for Uganda, has been high on the agenda of the National Resistance Movement for the last 50 years.
The President also expressed happiness that after several efforts lasting decades, Uganda boasts of an able, disciplined, reasonably educated and well-trained Army.
“I congratulate the crews and advise them to avoid a risky lifestyle – avoid umalaya, alcohol and corruption. Their future is bright,” said the president who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Armed Forces.
The President said that with the prevailing environment in Uganda and a healthy and educated population, the NRM government is committed to the training and equipping of the UPDF and as such there is no reason why Uganda will not be guaranteed of a strong Army to safeguard her people and its sovereignty.
On tackling the housing challenge in the Army, President Museveni said that he had already instructed the Army Engineering Brigade to undertake all the Army housing needs instead of relying on contractors who tend to be expensive.
“Now that the economic situation in Uganda is improving, the government will be able to look into raising of salaries of soldiers, public servants, health workers and teachers and also deal with institutional housing,” said the President.
The Chief of the Defence Forces, Gen. David Muhoozi, commended President Museveni for his insistence on training in the UPDF in line with the professionalization agenda.
He said that the policy has moved the UPDF to a higher level adding that training was important for any force because it enhances the Army’s capability, discipline, professionalism and the proper use of the ground.