UPDF passes out platoon commanders

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The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out officers, who completed the Platoon Commanders’ Course at the School of Defence Intelligence and Security (SODIS) in Migyera, Nakasongola District, and the Military Police Training School in Masindi District.

Presiding over the pass-out of Intake 18/26 in Migyera, Nakasongola, the Deputy Commander Land Forces, Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, congratulated the officers upon completing the demanding course, which involved intensive drills, classroom instruction and practical demonstrations.

He said the training scenarios reflected the realities officers would encounter in the field, emphasising that teamwork was essential for successful military operations.

“Remain vigilant, ready and flexible in your work. The ability to adapt and respond will define our success. If we do not adapt, we are doomed,” he said.

He urged the officers to continuously improve their professional skills, build on their strengths and conduct self-assessments in their respective formations.

On behalf of the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine (JS-TRADOC), the Commandant, Basic Military Training School Kaweweta, Brig. Gen. John Patrick Otongo, urged the officers to uphold discipline, loyalty and integrity.

“A disciplined soldier is a dependable soldier,” he said, before encouraging them to embrace continuous learning.

He said the battlefield keeps changing and that an officer who stops learning stops leading.

Representing the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), Col. Mike Mukula, commended the UPDF leadership for investing in infrastructure and providing financial support to training programmes at SODIS.

He urged the officers to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during training in their respective units.

The Chief Instructor at SODIS, Maj. DL Onyadi, who represented the School Commandant, said the course was designed to equip officers with professional military knowledge, leadership skills, command abilities, discipline and operational competence to effectively lead soldiers during peace and war.

He thanked JS-TRADOC, Joint Staff Logistics and CDIS for supporting the course and urged the officers to uphold UPDF values and apply their acquired knowledge to improve operational effectiveness.

“We have given you the basics, and, therefore, you need to continue improving your skills as professional platoon commanders,” he said.

In a related development, the Commandant of the Military Police Brigade, Maj. Gen. William Beinomugisha, presided over the pass out of officers, who also completed the Platoon Commanders’ Course at the Military Police Training School in Masindi.

Bainomugisha commended the officers for their resilience, discipline and commitment throughout the demanding training.

He thanked the UPDF strategic leadership, through JS-TRADOC, for designing purposeful training programmes aimed at building a professionally skilled and modern army.

He described training as the backbone of a modern military force, noting that platoon commanders serve as a critical link between senior command and soldiers on the ground.

“You are now leaders. Lead by example, uphold discipline and military law, take good care of yourselves and the soldiers under your command,” he said.

Bainomugisha appreciated the cooperation of the Artillery Division under the command of Maj. Gen. Daniel Kakono and commended the Commandant Military Police Training School, Lt. Col. Bernard Mugwanya, Chief Instructor Captain Mike Mwesigwa, and the training staff for preparing the officers for command responsibilities.

On behalf of the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, Col. Michael Katongole Ssempija congratulated the officers and encouraged them to effectively command, administer and lead their platoons.

He emphasised the importance of training and discipline in successful military operations, adding that disciplined officers were dependable.

On his part,Mugwanya said the course covered tactics, administration, military law, army health, field engineering, counter-insurgency operations, peace support operations and intensive field exercises.

Mugwanya thanked the Commandant, Military Police for logistical support and mentorship, which he said contributed to equipping the officers with the knowledge and skills required for future assignments.

The ceremonies were attended by senior UPDF officers, instructors, political leaders, police representatives and families of the officers, among others.