UPDF not partisan - Aronda

By Raymond Baguma         
                                                        
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Aronda Nyakairima has said that UPDF is a national army that is politically conscious, but will never be partisan.

He was speaking at the 3rd annual breakfast meeting for the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) held at the ministry of defence headquarters in Mbuya on the weekend.

The event, attended by officers and men of the UPDF, Members of Parliament as well as military delegations from India, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania was marked with prayers of intercession led by various military service chiefs with performances by gospel artistes, for the achievements the UPDF has garnered since its formation.

Gen. Levi Karuhanga, the commander of the Reserve Forces prayed for stable families with no domestic violence, as well as the love for peace and being patriotic.

Gen. Aronda asked widows and orphans who have lost their loved one during liberation struggles, to take heart and know that their dear ones died to make Uganda a better country to live in.

Brig. Sam Turyagenda, the commander of the Air Force in his supplication prayed to God to grant leaders the ability to solve challenges faced, as well as to continue using the UPDF as instruments of peace for the prosperity of Uganda.

Col. Sabiiti Muzeeyi, the deputy commander of the Special Forces Command thanked God for the national peace and the ongoing developments in the country, as well as efforts by the UPDF to pacify the region. "We ask for your grace and wisdom to keep the country and our borders safe," Col. Sabiiti said.

Maj. Gen. Francis Okello in his prayer asked God to guide regional leaders to make decisions that foster peace and regional cooperation.

Dr. Ezra Suruma, the senior presidential advisor for finance and planning, who was a special guest called upon Ugandans to embrace politics of inclusion instead of returning to divisionism and sectarianism.