UPDF trains 177 Guinea Bissau soldiers in VIP protection, special operations
Apr 26, 2024
“His steadfast commitment to clear foreign policies has not only fostered peace in the region but also facilitated the exceptional development that our nation has attained,” Kainerugaba said.
Maj Gen Jose Antonio Maraques (in glasses) from Guinea Bissau giving his speech at the closure of VIP Protection Course
Charles Etukuri
Senior Writer @New Vision
____________________ VIP Protection trainees in a group photo with the guest Maj Gen David Mugisha (CSFC) and other invited guests.
The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) has trained 177 Guinea Bissau soldiers in the protection of very important persons (VIPs).
The Uganda army has also trained the group in special operations tactics course and passed them out at the Special Mission Training Centre in Butiaba, Bulisa district.
UPDF in a statement shared on Thursday said the training lasted for 16 weeks.
In his message during the passing out ceremony on Thursday, April 25, 2024, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, lauded Uganda President Gen. Yoweri Museveni for his immeasurable contribution towards the security and stability of the region and the African continent.
“His steadfast commitment to clear foreign policies has not only fostered peace in the region but also facilitated the exceptional development that our nation has attained,” Kainerugaba said.
Special Forces Command commander Ma. Gen. David Mugisha delivered the message on behalf of Kainerugaba.
Mugisha said the demonstrations displayed by the trainees reflected the efforts, energy, and resolve of both the UPDF and the Guinea Bissau forces to galvanise the Pan-Africanism agenda of strategic peace and development.
He observed that exchanging knowledge, experiences, and best practices during the course will strengthen the collective ability to protect VIPs and execute specialised operations with precision, lethality, and expertise.
The special advisor on defence and security in Guinea Bissau, Maj. Gen. Jose Antonio Marques, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of the People - Guinea Bissau, commended the UPDF for accepting to train their nationals and added that the knowledge and skills acquired will go a long way in defending their country.
He thanked the participants for portraying professionalism and discipline and pledged to continue strengthening the existing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
The joint staff in charge of training and doctrine, Brig. Gen. Alex Opolot Olupot said the training has enhanced the spirit of Pan-Africanism among the individuals and two countries.
The commandant of the special mission training center, Lt. Col. Simon Ogwal Onyinge, thanked the UPDF leadership for the support rendered through the training that made the course run smoothly.
Ogwal said the trainees trained in various indoor and outdoor exercises, including tactical exercises, causality care, cordon and search operations, military intelligence, physical body fitness training, and range exercises.
The pass-out ceremony was attended by First Infantry Division Commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Ssemwanga, commander of Marines Brigade Brig. Gen. Micheal Nyarwa, Bulisa Resident District Commissioner Longino Bahebwa, area Member of Parliament Allan Atugonza, representatives from sister security agencies, political leaders, government leaders, and religious leaders, among others.
No Comment